Rio Tinto’s Solar and Battery Deal for Smelters and Refineries

Rio Tinto, a leading mining company, has recently finalised a significant agreement with Australian firm Edify Energy to bolster the sustainability of its operations in Gladstone. This deal is crucial for the Boyne Island smelter and Yarwun alumina refinery, which are major energy consumers in Australia.

The partnership with Edify Energy is groundbreaking, featuring a large-scale battery with a capacity of 600 MW and 2,400 MWh. This innovative solution provides essential “dispatchable” power, ensuring uninterrupted energy supply for the smelter and refinery.

Transitioning to Renewable Energy

Rio Tinto has already committed to the largest renewable energy power purchase agreements, including the Bungaban wind project and the Upper Calliope solar project. The collaboration with Edify Energy will incorporate 600 MW of solar energy from the Smoky Creek and Guthrie’s Gap solar farms, alongside the cutting-edge battery technology.

Australian chief executive of Rio Tinto, Kellie Parker, emphasised the significance of these agreements in the company’s journey towards sustainable energy practices. Parker stated, “These agreements are integral to repowering our Gladstone aluminium operations with affordable, reliable, and environmentally friendly energy sources for the long term.”

Embracing Battery Storage

By integrating crucial battery storage into their infrastructure, Rio Tinto aims to enhance the competitiveness of the Boyne aluminium smelter on a global scale. This strategic move comes in response to the escalating costs of traditional energy sources, driving the company to explore further investments in renewable energy for their Gladstone operations.

The commitment to sustainable energy solutions underscores Rio Tinto’s dedication to reducing carbon emissions and ensuring a sustainable future for their operations.