TotalEnergies, Prony Resources New Caledonia in 25-year renewable power deal

TotalEnergies will deliver decarbonsised electricity via a 25-year renewable power purchase agreement (PPA) for the industrial operations of mining and metallurgy consortium Prony Resources New Caledonia.

The company said that it will develop a series of photovoltaic and energy storage projects in New Caledonia between 2022 and 2025. TotalEnergies is working on a ground-based photovoltaic arrays with installed capacity of 160 MW, as well as 340 MWh of energy battery storage capacity, it said in a statement.

“Prony Resources New Caledonia's commitment to decarbonisation is both ambitious and pioneering in the industry. We are very proud to support their energy transition, and that of New Caledonia," said Thierry Muller, CEO of TotalEnergies Renewables France. "As industrial firms, we think and act responsibly. Our two companies are committed to protecting natural resources and biodiversity, and to improving the situation of local communities. With this long-term partnership, we are demonstrating that it is possible to support industrial activity in New Caledonia and participate in a sustainable development approach at the same time."

Most of the installations will be located on property owned by the Grand Sud hydrometallurgical plant, TotalEnergies said.

The first photovoltaic power plant (30 MW) is scheduled to come on stream in 2023. The project aims to cover nearly two-thirds of the site's electricity needs and will help avoid close to 230,000 tons of CO2 emissions.

“This project strengthens Prony Resources New Caledonia's ambition of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040,” TotalEnergies said.

By combining solar energy and energy storage to replace electricity generated from coal, TotalEnergies said it is demonstrating its ability to provide a sustainable energy solution to Prony Resources New Caledonia while meeting demanding local, industrial, environmental and social requirements.