Rio Tinto to triple Weipa solar capacity and add battery storage to help power operations

Rhea-AI Summary

Rio Tinto has announced the approval of a new solar farm and battery storage at Weipa, Queensland. This project will more than triple the area's solar generation capacity, contributing to cleaner energy for operations. EDL is contracted to build a 4MW solar plant and a 4MW/4MWh battery system, enhancing stability for local power needs. The combined system will provide approximately 11 gigawatt hours annually, reducing diesel consumption by 7 million liters and lowering CO2 emissions by 20,000 tonnes per year, which is akin to removing 3,750 cars from the road.

Positive

• Approval of a new 4MW solar farm and 4MW/4MWh battery storage at Weipa.
• Triple increase in local electricity network's solar generation capacity.
• Projected annual energy output of 11 gigawatt hours.
• Estimated reduction of diesel consumption by 7 million liters per year.
• Anticipated decrease in annual CO2 emissions by about 20,000 tonnes.

Negative

• None.

MELBOURNE, Australia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- 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.

More information on Rio Tinto’s climate targets can be found here.

riotinto.com

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



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Category: Weipa

Source: Rio Tinto

FAQ

What new project has Rio Tinto approved at Weipa?

Rio Tinto has approved a new solar farm and battery storage project at Weipa, Queensland.

How much solar capacity will the new Weipa solar farm add?

The new solar farm will add 4MW of solar capacity, tripling the area's solar generation capability.

What are the expected environmental benefits of the Weipa project?

The project is expected to reduce diesel consumption by 7 million liters and lower annual CO2 emissions by approximately 20,000 tonnes.

When will the construction of the Weipa solar project be completed?

The construction of the entire project is expected to be complete by late 2022.

What company is contracted to build the Weipa solar farm?

EDL has been contracted to build, own, and operate the new solar farm and battery storage at Weipa.