Fortescue is planning a large-scale solar power plant with 644 MW installed capacity
The proposed project will be located near Port Hedland, where Fortescue manages its iron ore mining operations
The EPA has opened the project proposal for a 7-day public consultation
Australian billionaire Andrew Forrest-led Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) seeks to develop a 644 MW solar power plant in Western Australia’s Pilbara region to power the iron ore mining company’s operations.
The company has submitted its Turner River Solar Hub plans for approval to the Environmental Planning Authority (EPA). It has been proposed by Fortescue subsidiary Pilbara Energy Generation.
Calling itself a major supplier to the Chinese steel industry, Fortescue targets to have its iron ore operations run on green energy by 2030. Through its Port Hedland location, it ships 190 metric tons per annum (Mtpa) of hematite and magnetite products.
Electricity generated by the proposed Turner River Solar Hub, located within the Kariyarra Native Title determination area near Port Hedland, will be exported to the Fortescue integrated electricity network. This will be sent via the PEC North Star Junction substation, which is currently under construction.
The proposed project will be located within a development envelope of 1,416.6 ha and will disturb up to 1,108.2 ha of native vegetation.
The EPA has opened the project for consultation on its website and will accept comments till April 3, 2025.
Pilbara Energy Generation had previously proposed the 5.4 GW Uaroo Renewable Energy Hub in Western Australia for solar, wind and battery storage capacity for its iron ore mining operations in Pilbara. The company later scrapped the project (see Large Scale Renewable Energy Hub Scrapped In Australia).