Holcim : helps decarbonise renewable energy project infrastructure

As one of the sunniest countries on the planet, Australia is ideally placed to include large-scale solar power as a major part of its energy mix. In the Sunshine State of Queensland, 20% of electricity demand was supplied by renewable sources in 2022 - and one in three households have rooftop solar installed. But how do you keep the power running, even when the sun goes down?

The ingenious Kidston Pumped Hydro Energy Project on Ewamian Country, 280 km north-west of Townsville (and 1,320 km from Brisbane), helps to answer that question. Since 2018, Holcim has been working with McConnell Dowell and John Holland JV to convert two pits from the decommissioned Kidston Gold Mine to create a pumped hydro power project that will help replace coal-fired power, which is currently needed to meet peak energy demands in the early morning and evening.

Holcim is part of a world-first pumped hydro power project in Far North Queensland set to commence operations in 2025 will help to provide rapid-response renewable energy to supplement wind and solar power production.

The Kidston Pumped Hydro Energy Project, due to commence operations in 2025, is a world-first because it reuses two decommissioned gold mining pits to store the water used to generate the hydroelectric power. The project offers eight hours of rapid response hydro-generated power by releasing water from the upper reservoir via a shaft where it drives the twin turbines on its way to the lower reservoir. During the day, when excess renewable power is available, water is pumped back to the upper dam, ready to be reused again.

Sustainable energy projects such as Kidston are pivotal for Australia to achieve its 2050 net zero target. State Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs Mick de Brenni said the clean energy hub is contributing to the creation of 900 direct jobs, and will help Queensland to achieve its renewable energy targets of 70% by 2032 and 80% by 2035. "Once operational, Kidston Pumped Hydro will generate enough energy to power towns with the combined population of Cairns, Townsville and Rockhampton (400,000 people) for eight hours each and every day," he said.

Holcim has prioritised sustainability on the project by using 100% recycled aggregates in all supplied concrete used for both surface works and underground in the 2 km access tunnel to the pumphouse. Mining spoil waste has been crushed, screened and processed on site too, replacing the need for quarry extraction and contributing to a circular economy. The by-product of the crushing operations has also been repurposed for use in stabilised sand capping material used on the upper dam of the project.

"We are very proud to be a key delivery partner for such a significant and transformative sustainable energy project here in North Queensland. In such a remote location, often affected by challenging weather conditions, the site team has done a fantastic job thus far to deliver over 100,000 cubic metres of high quality concrete, whilst maintaining an impressive safety record with zero Lost Time Injuries" said Alex Graff, National Contracts Manager, Holcim Australia.

The project will contribute to the stability of the electricity grid by combining renewable energy generation with large-scale energy storage capability. It is also expected to help meet the growing demand for electricity at peak times in Queensland, as well as help alleviate the state's peak power prices.

As a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions, Holcim is enabling greener cities, smarter infrastructure and improving living standards around the world. With a presence in over 70 countries, Holcim is committed to offering products and services that support sustainable construction and infrastructure projects. The Company's dedication to environmental responsibility and innovation drives its mission to build progress for people and the planet. With sustainability at the core of its strategy Holcim is becoming a net zero company, with its people and communities at the heart of its success.