BHP, the Anglo-Australian mining giant, has partnered with the independent power producer from Canada, TransAlta Renewables. The partnership will allow BHP to bring solar power and energy storage solutions to two mines in Australia.
Firstly, TransAlta said this Thursday that its subsidiary Southern Cross will be the one to build, own and also operate the renewable assets in the mines; particularly, a 27,4 megawatts project on Mount Keith; and also, a 10,7 MW solar farm in Leinester; the two nickel mines of BHP. This project is called Northern Goldfields and includes both developments for the mines.
Secondly, the 10,1MW/5,4MWh battery storage facility will be deployed at the Northern Goldfields project. The project is still subject to final state regulations and approvals.
Thirdly, BHP said that the renewable energy developments would help to reduce emissions related to electricity by 12% in the mines; based on 2020 levels. Projects will displace power currently supplied by diesel and natural gas turbines. According to the BHP statement, it will help to displace 540,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, over the first 10 years of operation. Such quantity would be equivalent to removing up to 23,000 combustion engine cars from the road every year.
Moreover, according to the statement, the agreement between BHP and TransAlta is a power purchase agreement; companies signed it back in October 2020. At the peak construction phase of the project, around 100 people will be employed.
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Northern Goldfield, the first project of its kind for BHP
In addition, construction of the projects will begin in the second quarter of 2022; construction phase will take for around 12 to 14 months; projects will have a cost of around USD$54 million.
On the other hand, about the relevance of the agreement and the projects, BHP Nickel West asset president Eddy Haegel, said. “This is the first large-scale onsite solar farm and battery that BHP has commissioned at any of its global operations.”
He also remarked. “The Northern Goldfields Solar Project will further improve our position as one of the lowest carbon nickel miners in the world. It will reduce emissions from electricity use at Mt Keith; and Leinster by 12 percent; reduce fuel costs and also improve the reliability of our electricity supply; with the addition of the battery storage system.”
Finally, TransAlta Corporation President and CEO, John Kousinioris, said. “We are proud to be supporting BHP’s emissions reduction targets; and also their sustainability goals through the expansion of our renewable generation footprint into Australia.”
