Photovoltaic systems supply mining sites

Rio Tinto, a prominent player in the mining industry, is pioneering a significant solar energy venture in Australia, situated near Gladstone. This initiative entails Rio Tinto’s commitment to procure all electricity generated by the expansive 1.1 GW Upper Calliope solar farm to fuel its aluminium operations based in Queensland.

This strategic move resonates strongly with Rio Tinto’s ambitious climate objectives, aiming to halve its Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon emissions by the end of the decade.

Facilitated through a lengthy 25-year power purchase agreement with European Energy Australia, the development and operational responsibilities for the solar farm lie with European Energy, contingent upon obtaining necessary approvals for development and grid connection.

Upon securing approvals and reaching operational status, the Upper Calliope project holds promising potential to substantially curtail Rio Tinto’s operational carbon footprint by an estimated 1.8 million tonnes annually.

Beyond its ecological implications, this initiative bolsters the renewable energy landscape in one of Australia’s key industrial zones. Furthermore, it sets the stage for potential modernization efforts within Rio Tinto’s critical Gladstone production assets, which include the Boyne aluminum smelter, Yarwun alumina refinery, and Queensland Alumina refinery.

Jakob Stausholm, Rio Tinto’s CEO, underscores the significance of competitive capacity, firming, and transmission in shaping a resilient energy ecosystem conducive to large-scale renewables development in Queensland. He stresses the importance of such developments in ensuring the sustainability and competitiveness of Australian industries.

Construction of the Upper Calliope solar plant is slated to commence between 2025 and 2026. Once operational, it is anticipated to contribute approximately 5% of Queensland’s current electricity demand. Covering an extensive area of 2,400 hectares, the construction phase is expected to span two years, engaging a workforce of 1,000 individuals. Post-completion, the plant is projected to support approximately 100 direct and indirect jobs.

The Upper Calliope project signifies a noteworthy milestone in Rio Tinto’s pursuit of renewable energy ventures, spurred by its formal call for proposals targeting renewable power and firming projects in central and southern Queensland. As Rio Tinto explores additional proposals and collaborations to cater to the energy needs of its Gladstone production assets, it emphasizes the imperative for over 1 GW of reliable power, equivalent to more than 4 GW of dependable wind or solar power with firming capabilities. Moreover, potential electrification endeavors within plant processes may further amplify electricity requirements in the future.