Australasia |
Energy Action Plan and to the decarbonisation of Australia’s National Electricity Market.
Significant development for Kidston Just last month, Genex Power announced the
Above: Lake Borumba in Queensland is part of an ambitious plan for the proposed Borumba pumped storage scheme
successful completion of the Main Access Tunnel (MAT) for the underground works of the 250MW Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project (K2-Hydro) in Queensland. This crucial milestone was achieved by the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) Contractor - a McConnell Dowell and John Holland Group joint venture - marking a major step forward in the project’s construction. The MAT, serving as the permanent access point
to the power station cavern, was excavated in high-quality rock conditions, meeting the required standards. This achievement ensures unimpeded access for lower bench excavation works and subsequent fit-out activities in the power station cavern, all accomplished within the established timeframe of the overall construction program. Following an incident of water ingress in
September 2022, Genex made the strategic decision to realign the MAT away from the zone of fractured material encountered in the original heading. Despite the additional length of 436m for the realigned MAT, this adjustment significantly reduced the overall risk associated with the underground works. Tunnelling works on the realigned MAT commenced in December 2022. The completion of the MAT marks a major turning point in the underground works, effectively contributing to the de-risking of the entire Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project. The company affirms that the project remains on schedule for energization in the second half of 2024. “The completion of the realigned Main Access
Tunnel represents a major milestone for Genex and the Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project. We are extremely pleased with the way in which the Genex and EPC Contractor teams responded to the water ingress event last year, completing the redesign and recommencing production with minimal delay. This has limited the time and cost impacts of the water ingress event on the overall Project,” said Genex CEO Craig Francis. “[The] milestone is extremely significant, as it enables Genex and its stakeholders to draw a line under one of the material outstanding risk items for the underground works. Importantly it moves us one step closer toward commencing the power station fit-out works ahead of energisation later in 2024.” Recently, Andritz Hydro, who is supplying the
References
https://nzsold.org.nz/events-2/ navigating-change-in-nz- dam-safety-practice-updates- opportunities-and-challenges/
https://www.mbie.govt.nz/about/ news/new-dam-safety-regulations- to-protect-people-and-property/
https://www.mdba.gov.au/news- and-events/newsroom/speech- murray-darling-association- conference-september-2023
electro-mechanical equipment for the project, said that the last pieces of equipment arrived on site in October, paving the way for installation of the project’s components.
Addressing erosion issues at Coolmunda
Coolmunda Dam, located near Inglewood in Australia, is undergoing various initiatives to bolster its reliability and improve the catchment’s flood warning network. Dam operator, Sunwater, has engaged Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure to carry out maintenance work and address erosion issues to ensure the efficient and safe operation of the dam.
16 | December 2023 |
www.waterpowermagazine.com
One significant aspect of the project involves upgrading the dam’s gates by reinforcing the counterweights. To accomplish this, a custom lifting frame has been designed and constructed, enabling the extraction of four 15-tonne weights from their vertical gate chambers. This innovative approach is necessary as a traditional crane cannot perform the required lifts. The counterweights have been in service since the dam’s construction in 1968. The project is expected to generate approximately 20 jobs, with four positions specifically reserved for Goondiwindi residents. Glenn Butcher, Queensland’s Minister for Water, emphasized the critical nature of these maintenance works, stating, “These works will guarantee this important piece of infrastructure continues to support agriculture and industry in the region for many years to come.” He further highlighted the positive economic impact that local engagement in the project would bring to the community. Concurrently, McCoskers Contracting will be undertaking repairs in areas downstream of the dam that have been affected by bank erosion during flood events. The repairs will involve the use of rock and concrete to fortify the banks, ensuring their resilience in future flood events. According to Sunwater CEO Glenn Stockton, these
gate and erosion works will enhance Coolmunda Dam’s operational reliability during weather events. He expressed confidence that the maintenance efforts, along with the innovative lifting frame, will increase the dam’s resilience, health, and longevity, benefiting its spillway gate operations. Moreover, the lifting frame will be retained for future gate refurbishments at Coolmunda Dam. The project is projected to be completed by
September 2023, depending on weather conditions. It is estimated that approximately $1.2 million will be spent locally on materials, accommodation, and food, further contributing to the regional economy. In addition to the maintenance works, the Coolmunda Dam catchment flood warning network is also undergoing upgrades to enhance forecast accuracy and provide more precise weather event data. The installation of new rainfall and river flow gauges in the upper catchment area at Waroo and along Treverton Creek is underway. Additionally, an existing river flow gauge at Artunga will be relocated further downstream of the Macintyre Brook. Following a flood event in December 2021,
collaborative discussions involving Sunwater, the Goondiwindi Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG), the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, and the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) underscored the need for improvements in the flood warning system.
Mayor Lawrence Springborg AM of the Goondiwindi Regional Council highlighted the significance of these works in providing enhanced rainfall and river flow data during major rainfall events. He emphasized the importance of accurate real-time information for the LDMG, BoM, and Sunwater in forecasting and decision-making related to significant rainfall events. Sunwater will assume ownership of the gauges and share flood warning data with other stakeholders during emergencies.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45
