Rio Tinto Exploring 80 MW Solar Farm In Australia

Global metals miner Rio Tinto will explore the development of an 80 MW solar farm in Western Australia’s Pilbara region to power its iron ore operations in the region. It sees the project bringing down natural gas use by up to 11% across its integrated mining operations in Pilbara.

It estimates 600 MW to 700 MW of renewable energy deployment by 2030 to displace the majority of gas use across the group’s Pilbara network. The mining giant will also need additional renewable energy to support widespread fleet electrification, after 2030.

Rio has agreed to pursue the development of the 80 MW project in Ngarluma Country, near Karratha, along with the Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation (NAC) under a memorandum of understanding (MoU). For NAC, this is its maiden renewable energy project.

“The Solar farm project will enable NAC to realise sustainable revenues, increase contracting opportunities and contribute to a positive environmental impact in the Pilbara,” said Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation CEO Ljuba Mojovic.

The duo target to complete a feasibility study in early 2025 and commission the facility in 2027. On completion, it will be connected to Rio Tinto’s existing Yurralyi Maya Power Station, near Karratha.

Rio has been roping in native populations in Australia near its mining operations to garner support for its renewable energy projects. Recently, it announced investment in 10.5 MW new solar PV capacity for its bauxite mining operations in Gove Peninsula for which it will work with Gumatj and Rirratjingu clans.

It called the company’s continued investment in solar power as a positive legacy for the local communities (see Global Metals Miner Digs For More Solar Power).