This report includes learnings on site wildlife management, transmission line corridor and challenges with excess water.
Report extract
This is the Kidston Pumped Hydro Energy Storage’s 11th Lessons Learnt Report. It addresses issues and learnings during the construction of the 250MW Pumped Storage Hydro Project and provides an overview of the following topics:
- Wildlife Management: Training the workforce for specific wildlife encounters, such as snake bites and handling, is crucial. Coordinated efforts and innovative methods, like using drones and surveying, are essential for managing larger wildlife challenges, such as herding kangaroos.
- Project Approvals and Land Acquisition: Extra time for regulatory approvals and understanding the complexities of land acquisition, including the need for ministerial consent, is important to keep projects on time. A dedicated property and community engagement team can facilitate smoother processes.
- Design and Construction Adaptations: In-field identification of constraints and timely design modifications for the transmission line corridor were invaluable for the project. Adapting to remote approval processes, such as video load tests, can ensure continuity during unforeseen circumstances like a pandemic.
- Water Management: Implementing temporary solutions, such as mechanical evaporation, can effectively manage excess water while permanent solutions are being considered. Continuous monitoring and adapting to forecasted conditions are key to maintaining water balance.
