Rio Tinto to develop solar farm for Western Australia's iron ore operations

Rio Tinto and Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation (NAC) agreed to pursue the development of an 80MW solar farm in Australia, near Karratha, to supply renewable energy to the company’s iron ore operations in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.

The project is expected to be located next to Rio Tinto’s existing Yurralyi Maya Power Station near Karratha and has the potential to displace up to 11% of natural gas currently used for generation across Rio Tinto’s integrated mining operations in the Pilbara, reducing Rio Tinto’s emissions by up to 120kT CO2e per year once complete.

A feasibility study is expected to be completed in early 2025, with commissioning in 2027, subject to relevant approvals and final investment decision (FID).

It is estimated that 600MW to 700MW of renewable energy will be required by 2030 to displace the majority of gas use across Rio Tinto’s Pilbara power network, while additional renewable energy will be required to support widespread fleet electrification, which is expected after 2030.

When commenting on the project, Richard Cohen, Managing Director Rail, Port & Core Services at Rio Tinto, said in a press statement, “Developments like this are about more than reducing emissions – they’re critical for economic opportunities and strengthening our connection with the Ngarluma People.

Ljuba Mojovic, CEO of Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation, echoed the same sentiment saying, “The Solar farm project will enable NAC to realise sustainable revenues, increase contracting opportunities and contribute to a positive environmental impact in the Pilbara.”

He added that this project development is a testament to the enduring strength of their special relationship with Rio Tinto and their shared commitment to working together to create a more sustainable future.