Rio Tinto calls for proposals for large-scale wind and solar power in Queensland

Rhea-AI Summary

Rio Tinto has announced a Request for Proposals (RFP) to develop large-scale wind and solar power in Queensland, aiming to power its aluminium assets and achieve climate goals. The initiative seeks to address the energy needs of its Gladstone operations, requiring 1140MW of reliable power, translating to 4000MW of renewable energy. This step supports Rio Tinto's targets to halve emissions by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050, aligning with its Statement of Co-operation with the Queensland Government.

Positive

• Initiative supports Rio Tinto's commitment to halve emissions by 2030.
• The RFP can enhance the development of renewable energy in Queensland.
• Addresses energy needs for Gladstone assets with potential for competitive energy sources.

Negative

• None.

MELBOURNE, Australia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rio Tinto has called for proposals to develop large-scale wind and solar power in Central and Southern Queensland to power its aluminium assets, help meet its climate change ambitions and further encourage renewable development and industry in the region.

The approach, which is through a formal market Request for Proposals (RFP), is intended to support the development of multiple new wind and solar power projects that can, in parallel with firming solutions, start supplying power to Rio Tinto’s Gladstone assets through the Queensland grid by 2030.

Rio Tinto Aluminium Chief Executive Ivan Vella said “As Queensland’s largest energy user, we have an important role to play in driving the development of competitive renewable energy sources for our Gladstone assets and supporting the State’s renewable energy targets.

“It is early in the process, but this is an important step towards meeting both our Group climate change target of halving our emissions by the end of the decade and our commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.”

Rio Tinto is seeking proposals that can competitively meet the energy needs of its three production assets in the Gladstone region: the Boyne smelter, the Yarwun alumina refinery and the Queensland Alumina refinery.

These assets require 1140MW of reliable power to operate, which equates to at least 4000MW of quality wind or solar power with firming.

The RFP follows Rio Tinto’s October 2021 strengthening of its climate commitments, including a target to halve Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 2030 (from a 2018 baseline) and the pursuit of renewable power options for its Australian aluminium smelters.

It also follows the signing of a Statement of Co-operation with the Queensland Government to work towards establishing more renewable energy in Central Queensland.

Further announcements on the RFP will be made when appropriate.

riotinto.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220608005475/en/

Please direct all enquiries to media.enquiries@riotinto.com

Media Relations, Australia

Jonathan Rose

M +61 447 028 913

Matt Chambers

M +61 433 525 739

Jesse Riseborough

M +61 436 653 412

Rio Tinto plc

6 St James’s Square

London SW1Y 4AD

United Kingdom

T +44 20 7781 2000

Registered in England

No. 719885

Rio Tinto Limited

Level 7, 360 Collins Street

Melbourne 3000

Australia

T +61 3 9283 3333

Registered in Australia

ABN 96 004 458 404

Category: General

Source: Rio Tinto

FAQ

What is Rio Tinto's new initiative in Queensland?

Rio Tinto has initiated a Request for Proposals to develop large-scale wind and solar power in Queensland for its aluminium assets.

How much power does Rio Tinto require for its Gladstone assets?

Rio Tinto requires 1140MW of reliable power to operate its Gladstone assets.

What are Rio Tinto's climate targets?

Rio Tinto aims to halve emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

When does Rio Tinto plan to start using the new renewable energy projects?

Rio Tinto plans for the new projects to start supplying power by 2030.

What is the purpose of the RFP issued by Rio Tinto?

The RFP aims to support the development of new wind and solar power projects to meet energy needs and climate goals.