As part of the long-term global decarbonisation strategy, Rio Tinto has approved the construction of a new 12.4 MW solar farm and 8.8MVa/2.1MWh of battery storage for renewable energy supply to Amrun bauxite mine near Weipa in Queensland.
This initiative also represents Rio Tinto's ongoing efforts to reduce emissions at its Pacific bauxite, alumina, and aluminium operations. The solar farm and battery storage are jointly expected to substitute about 37 per cent of Amrun's diesel electricity consumption and cut annual CO2-equivalent emissions by 14,000 tonnes while adding to the existing 5.6MW of solar and 4MWh of battery power built for Rio Tinto's Weipa operations.
Combined with the existing Weipa renewable power generation network, the solar farms will reduce Weipa Operations' diesel consumption by an estimated 10 million litres per year and lower annual greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 28,000 tonnes.
Rio Tinto's Weipa Operations General Manager, Shona Markham, said: "The construction of the Amrun solar farm and battery storage system, which is located on Wik and Wik-Waya Traditional lands, is an important milestone for Weipa Operations and will contribute to Rio Tinto's commitment to reduce operational greenhouse gas emissions."
He added, "The Amrun solar farm will be one of three Weipa Operations solar stations, which will together provide 18MW of solar generation capacity to our mines and the Weipa town. This project helps us make inroads towards our ambitions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our operations."
Aggreko, a global supplier of mobile and modular power, temperature control equipment and energy services, has been awarded the contract to build, own, and operate the solar farm for Amrun mine operations.
According to the managing director of Aggreko Pacific, George Whyte, his company's partnership with Rio Tinto complements its mission to accelerate energy transition across the globe and supply clean energy infrastructure.
He said, "Aggreko is excited to be supporting Rio Tinto on working towards meeting their decarbonisation goals and our own with this project."
The new solar farm is expected to be operational by early 2025, providing about 21 gigawatt hours of renewable power annually.
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