Rio Tinto, a leading global mining group, has recently given the green light to a significant renewable energy project. This initiative involves the construction of a new 12.4MW solar farm and 8.8MVa/2.1MWh battery storage facility. These installations are set to provide renewable energy for the Amrun bauxite operations located near Weipa in Queensland, Australia.
The newly approved solar farm and battery storage system are pivotal components of Rio Tinto’s overarching strategy to decarbonize its operations worldwide. This strategy is particularly focused on reducing emissions across its Pacific bauxite, alumina, and aluminium operations. These renewable energy sources are projected to significantly curtail Amrun’s reliance on diesel-generated electricity by 37 percent. Moreover, they are expected to lower the annual CO2-equivalent emissions by about 14,000 metric tons. This enhancement builds upon an existing framework of renewable energy solutions that Rio Tinto has been developing since 2015, including a 5.6MW solar installation and 4MWh of battery power, which also serve the Weipa operations and the local electricity grid.
Aggreko, a global leader in the supply of temporary power and temperature control solutions, has been appointed to construct, own, and manage the solar farm. This appointment expands on Aggreko’s current role in providing power generated from an existing diesel power station at the site.
Shona Markham, the General Manager of Rio Tinto Weipa Operations, emphasized the significance of the project in a press release.
“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.”
In addition, George Whyte, Managing Director of Aggreko Asia Pacific, expressed excitement about the partnership with Rio Tinto.
“Aggreko is excited to be supporting Rio Tinto on working towards meeting their decarbonisation goals and our own with this project. This partnership aligns with our mission to accelerate the energy transition and as a world leader in the supply of clean energy infrastructure, we are confident that we will successfully deliver reliable and efficient energy for Rio Tinto’s Amrun operations.”
Construction of the new solar farm has already commenced, with expectations of it becoming fully operational by early 2025. Once active, the Amrun solar farm will generate approximately 21 gigawatt hours of renewable power annually. When combined with existing renewable power sources at Weipa, the solar farms are anticipated to reduce diesel consumption by about 10 million litres per year and lower greenhouse gas emissions by roughly 28,000 metric tons annually. This reduction is equivalent to removing over 6,000 internal combustion engine passenger cars from the roads.
Rio Tinto’s Weipa Operations in Far North Queensland encompass a comprehensive network of three bauxite mines, processing facilities, shiploaders, an export wharf, two ports, power stations, a rail network, and ferry terminals. The company also provides municipal services for the town of Weipa.
The Amrun mine, the newest addition to the Weipa bauxite operations, was completed in 2018. It is expected to extend the life of these operations significantly, building upon a 60-year legacy in Western Cape York. The mine operates on traditional land under an Indigenous Land Use Agreement with local Traditional Owners, a relationship spanning over two decades. Rio Tinto collaborates closely with these communities to ensure that mining benefits are shared and cultural heritage is preserved.
