Rio Tinto triples Weipa bauxite mine solar capacity
(Posted on 21/09/21)
Rio Tinto has approved a new solar farm and battery storage at Weipa in Queensland, in a move that will more than triple the local electricity network’s solar generation capacity and help provide cleaner power to Rio Tinto’s operations.
Under the plans, EDL has been contracted to build, own and operate a 4MW solar plant and 4MW/4MWh of battery storage at Weipa. Work on the battery facilities will start this year, with construction of the whole project expected to be complete by late 2022.
The new solar farm and battery storage will complement the existing 1.6MW solar farm at Weipa, which was completed in 2015 and is also owned and operated by EDL. The 4MWh battery system will be built next to the existing Weipa power station and will help provide a stable power network for Rio Tinto’s Weipa Operations bauxite mines and the Weipa township.
Rio Tinto Aluminium Pacific Bauxite Operations General Manager Michelle Elvy said “The new solar farm and battery storage at Weipa will help us lower our carbon footprint and diesel use in a reliable way.
“The original Weipa solar farm was the largest solar facility at an off-grid Australian mine site at the time it was built, and it played an important role in showing the viability of renewable energy systems in remote locations.
“The new solar farm and battery storage system is part of Rio Tinto’s group-wide commitment to reduce emissions across our operations. There is clearly more work to be done, but projects like this are an important part of meeting our climate targets.”
EDL Chief Executive Officer James Harman said “We welcome the opportunity to continue supporting Rio Tinto to reduce carbon emissions.
“EDL will be leveraging expertise from our hybrid renewable energy systems around Australia to deliver clean and reliable energy for Rio Tinto’s operations and the local community.”
When complete, the combined 4MW solar capacity and 4MW/4MWh battery will provide about 11 gigawatt hours of energy annually. Combined with upgrades to the existing Weipa power generation network, the improvements will reduce Weipa Operations’ diesel consumption by an estimated 7 million litres per year and lower its annual carbon dioxide emissions by about 20,000 tonnes - the equivalent of taking more than 3,750 cars off the road.
Rio Tinto Weipa Operations will purchase electricity from EDL and the new solar plant will be connected directly to the Weipa electricity network.
Latest News
Canadian tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminium products enter into force
(Posted on 26/10/24)Tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminium products have entered into force following rigorous examination... Read more
Increased copper and iron ore production for BHP
(Posted on 19/10/24)BHP have released their operational review for the quarter ended 30 September 2024.BHP Chief Executive... Read more
Safety a priority as Rio Tinto releases Q3 production results
(Posted on 18/10/24)Rio Tinto is continuing to prioritise learning from safety incidents to improve the effectiveness of... Read more
IFA and Proba launch global programme for GHG emissions reduction
(Posted on 14/10/24)The International Fertilizer Association (IFA) is partnering with supply chain decarbonization startup... Read more
Export Exchange 2024 wraps up as trade teams head across the USA
(Posted on 14/10/24)Export Exchange 2024, sponsored by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels... Read more
MPA welcomes UK Government’s commitment to fund CCUS
(Posted on 08/10/24)The Mineral Products Association (MPA) has welcomed the Government’s pledge to fund the launch... Read more
Glencore’s Stephen Rowland elected Chair of ICA’s Board
(Posted on 08/10/24)The Board of Directors of the International Copper Association (ICA) has elected Stephen Rowland, Glencore... Read more
NGFA highlights ‘trifecta of transportation trouble’ for US agriculture
(Posted on 01/10/24)Potential disruptions to the nation’s shipping infrastructure could have a devastating effect... Read more
ADM adds non-GM capabilities in Hungary
(Posted on 01/10/24)ADM has announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire Vandamme Hungaria Kft and its related... Read more
Richard Holtum to become Trafigura CEO from 1 January 2025
(Posted on 25/09/24)Trafigura Group Pte Ltd has announced that Richard Holtum will become Chief Executive Officer (CEO)... Read more
