J-POWER and Genex collaborate on Kidston Wind Project

wind turbines against golden sky with wild grass in the foreground (aula energy)
Image: Shutterstock

Japan’s Electric Power Development Co (J-POWER) has signed an agreement with Australian renewables company Genex Power Limited for joint development on the Kidston Stage-3 Wind Project (K3W).

J-POWER and Genex, guided by their MoU concluded in November 2020 on the development of new wind power projects, have conducted initial assessments, including wind and environmental surveys, as well as land negotiations at candidate sites for the Kidston Stage-3 Wind project.

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Based on the joint development agreement concluded at this time, J-POWER and Genex will accelerate development by making full use of J-POWER’s experience in wind power generation, including turbine selection and acquiring construction permits and licences, with the aim of starting construction in 2023 and beginning operations in 2025.

“J-POWER’s goal is to achieve carbon neutrality through power generation by 2050, and we will promote the further development of renewable energy both in Japan and overseas, as set out in its J-POWER BLUE MISSION 2050,” the company said in a news release.

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The Kidston Stage-3 Wind Project is located in Kidston, Far North Queensland, and will leverage existing infrastructure and co-location advantages to Kidston Pumped Hydro Project.

It is anticipated that the project will connect into the new 275kV transmission line being constructed by Powerlink Queensland for the K2-Hydro, which is expected to be completed in 2024. The combination of wind, solar and hydro completes the Kidston Clean Energy Hub (a globally unique integration).

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