Fortescue Begins Construction of Largest Solar Farm in Australia
Fortescue, the iron ore mining giant, has embarked on constructing the largest solar farm outside of Australia’s main grid, accompanied by a substantial battery, as part of its ambitious plan to establish a comprehensive green grid and achieve “real zero” emissions by 2030.
The Turner River solar farm, with a capacity of 690 megawatts (MW), marks Fortescue’s most significant undertaking to date and is the largest in Western Australia. Only the partially completed 720 MW New England solar farm in New South Wales, developed by Acen Renewables, will surpass it in capacity.
Complementing Renewable Energy Initiatives
In addition to the solar farm, construction has commenced on a remarkable 74 MW and 650 megawatt-hours (MWh) battery system, which will integrate seamlessly with the existing 190 MW solar facility at the nearly completed Cloudbreak mine.
This development at Turner River will complete the company’s solar portfolio, pushing its total solar capacity beyond 1.4 GW. This figure includes the under-construction 440 MW Solomon Airport solar farm, the operational 190 MW Cloudbreak facility, and the 110 MW North Star Junction solar farm. Fortescue also has a 60 MW solar farm at Christmas Creek, opened in 2021 and currently owned by APA Group, which may see further expansion in the future.
Wind Power Developments
Fortescue is also progressing its wind energy projects, aiming for an overall capacity of about 800 MW. Initial construction has begun on the 119 MW Nullagine wind project, which will feature the company’s innovative “self-lifting” turbines. A second phase is anticipated at the neighbouring Bonney Downs site.
The company aims to complete its green grid by 2028 and fully electrify its mining fleet by 2030. Fortescue is encouraging other corporations to follow suit, advocating for the capping of diesel fuel rebates for large miners to expedite their decision-making processes.
“While others still deliberate on the feasibility of decarbonisation, Fortescue is actively constructing the necessary infrastructure to achieve it,” stated CEO Dino Otranto. “The technology exists. The economics are continuously improving. Observers of global fuel markets can clearly see why electrification and renewable energy are increasingly critical.”
Electrification of Mining Operations
Currently, Fortescue has 16 electric excavators and an electric drill operational across its iron ore sectors and anticipates that roughly half of its fleet of 70 excavators will be electric by the end of 2026. The company also expects its first battery electric haul truck to be operational by year-end, alongside the testing of its inaugural in-house developed 6 MW fast charger, capable of fully charging a haul truck in about half an hour.
Moreover, final facility testing of XCMG’s prototype battery electric wheel loader, dozer, grader, and water cart is nearing completion, with the equipment poised to make its way from China to the Pilbara for site evaluation.
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