COMMENCEMENT OF UNDERGROUND WORKS - MAIN ACCESS TUNNEL
During
The MAT makes up a 1.5km long horseshoe profile having dimensions of approximately 6m wide and 6m high. It is graded at 14% (1:7) in a spiral to access the powerhouse cavern which is approximately 250m below ground level. The powerhouse cavern will house the two 125MW Andritz Hydro reversible pumpturbines. The MAT is constructed using conventional full-face drill and blast excavation methodology, with a single heading taking approximately 6 months to reach the first adit which will provide first access to the powerhouse cavern. Once the first adit is reached, multiple tunnel headings will progress to expedite the powerhouse cavern excavation.
With preparation works for the MAT completed in early 2022 including portal face stabilisation and preparation works, the EPC Contractor joint venture for the Project have formally commenced the underground excavation works with the first major blast for the MAT. Following this milestone, tunnelling operations are now progressing on a 24/7 basis with two shifts per day, which is scheduled to progress the tunnelling works at an average rate of 8m per day over the next 6 months.
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE - ONGOING KEY ACTIVITES
In addition to commencement of the underground works, site activity continues to ramp-up, with works commenced on the following near term construction milestones:
- Commencement of procurement and manufacture of key turbine components;
- Completion of the blast magazine storage area and access road;
- Near completion of the 22kV distribution line with transformer installed with final connection works still ongoing;
- Ongoing aggregate crushing plant and concrete batch plant operations; and
- Continuation of services reticulation around the site for construction purposes.
UPCOMING KEY CONSTRUCTION MILESTONES
- Commencement of full-scale prototype testing of electrical towers for the 186km 275kV transmission line being constructed by Powerlink Queensland; and
- 22kV electrical connection to
The construction program remains on schedule for first generation in Q4 2024.
Commenting on today's announcement,
"Following an intense period of site establishment and preparation works, I am delighted that the EPC Contractor JV of
We look forward to working alongside the EPC JV and keeping the market updated as the program continues to push ahead over the course of this year."
Commenting on this construction milestone,
"It is pleasing to see this iconic project launch successfully and reach this very important early milestone.
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About
Contact:
Chief Executive Officer
Tel: +61 2 9048 8855
Email: jh@genexpower.com.au
Executive Director
Tel: +61 2 9048 8852
Email: sk@genexpower.com.au
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