The Kidston Renewable Energy Hub will transform the two 200‑meter‑deep pits at the former gold mine into upper and lower reservoirs, letting water be pumped when prices dip and released through reversible turbines at peak demand.
Water will come from local groundwater and rainfall, keeping the system self‑sufficient and avoiding the need for external water sources.
It can dispatch power within 30 seconds, offering rapid response to grid fluctuations and aiding the integration of solar output.
The project leverages existing mine infrastructure—cleared land, roads, and a 186‑km, 275‑kV transmission corridor—to connect to the National Electricity Market, sidestepping costly land‑use permits.
Arena has projected more than 500 direct construction jobs, with ripple effects on regional businesses and community services.
Regulatory approvals are in place, and the transmission line is slated to be operational by 2029, after which the pumped‑hydro plant will begin commercial feeding of the grid.