Mining firm BHP signed a large-scale renewable Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Alinta Energy and it now expects to halve the emissions from electricity generation for consumption at its WA Iron Ore port facilities in Port Hedland by the end of 2024.
The PPA will involve the construction of a 45 MW solar farm and 35 MW battery energy storage system. This system and the solar farm will be connected to Alinta Energy’s Port Hedland power station, which is located about 14km from BHP’s port facilities.
Construction of the solar farm is expected to start in December, subject to final regulatory approvals. On completion, the farm is expected to meet 100% of the predicted average daytime energy requirements for BHP’s WA Iron Ore port facilities.
The remaining power requirements will be met by the integrated battery energy storage system and Alinta Energy’s gas fueled power station facilities.
The PPA will contribute to BHP’s target of reducing operational emissions by a minimum of 30% by 2030 from its 2020 level. The aim is to achieve net zero operational emissions by 2050.
Additionally, BHP and Alinta Energy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop the 45MW Shay Gap Wind Farm.
“The world needs WA’s high quality iron ore to support economic development and decarbonization, and we are committed to supplying iron ore more sustainably while investing in WA and creating local jobs,” BHP’s WA Iron Ore Asset President, Brandon Craig, said. “We are delighted to expand our partnership with Alinta Energy as we seek to lower emissions from our WA iron ore business.”
