Genex progresses on funding for Australia’s largest PV and pumped hydro project

August 3, 2017
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
Construction of the first 50MW solar phase is currently on time and within budget. Credit: Genex

Australian energy firm Genex Power has received first-round board approval from the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) for potential debt funding of its 270MW solar PV and 250MW pumped hydro projects, that are part of the Kidston Renewable Energy Hub, in Northern Queensland.

These huge projects are Phase Two of the Hub development, following an initial 50MW solar project for which Genex is progressing with construction on schedule and within budget, according to a company release. First generation from the Phase One project is expected in Q4 this year, with full completion in Q1 2018. The 50MW project reached financial close in February.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Genex provided a number of pictures showing the first 50MW phase being put together:

Credit: Genex
Credit: Genex
Credit: Genex

Genex Power managing director Michael Addison said: “The Project was recently declared by the Queensland Government as a Critical Infrastructure Project in conjunction with the Phase Two Projects (270MW Solar and 250MW Pumped Hydro), 275kV transmission line easement and the Copperfield Dam easement.”

Genex is now focusing its attention on the Phase Two projects, seeking energy partners, debt financing and energy infrastructure firms.

The second phase is particularly interesting given that it will potentially pair the solar generation with pumped hydro,  allowing for 24-hour power from renewables.

NAIF has now started due-diligence for potential funding.

Read Next

Premium
November 13, 2025
PV Talk: Stellar PV has been awarded government funding for its plan to open a solar ingot and wafer plant in Australia. The company’s CEO Louise Hurll tells Shreeyashi Ojha why the time is right for Australia to develop its upstream manufacturing capacity.
Premium
November 12, 2025
Solar PV in Australia’s National Electricity Market (NEM) made a strong showing across October 2025, reaching 4,715GWh – a 9.88% increase on the 4,291GWh recorded in October 2024.
November 10, 2025
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) will invest up to AU$45 million (US$29 million) in Fortescue's Solar Innovation Hub in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
November 10, 2025
EnergyCo has shortlisted three consortia to build and operate the transmission network for the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).
November 10, 2025
The Australian government has approved the 300MW Dunmore solar-plus-storage project near Toowoomba, Queensland, completing the environmental assessment process in just 19 days.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Lisbon, Portugal
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA