Ngarluma and Rio Tinto Developing 80 MW Solar Farm to Power Rio Tinto's Pilbara Mining Operations
July 16, 2024
Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation (NAC) and Rio Tinto have agreed to assist with the development of an 80 MW solar farm on Ngarluma Country, near Karratha, to supply renewable energy to the company’s iron ore operations in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.
“Developments like this are about more than reducing emissions – they’re critical for economic opportunities and strengthening our connection with the Ngarluma People," said Richard Cohen, Rio Tinto Managing Director. “This project underscores the significance of our long-term relationship with the Ngarluma people and demonstrates our commitment to working together to contribute to a more sustainable future.”
The project is expected to be located next to Rio Tinto’s existing Yurralyi Maya Power Station near Karratha. Upon completion, it will be capable of displacing up to 11% of the natural gas used for generation across Rio Tinto’s integrated mining operations in the Pilbara, thus reducing Rio Tinto’s emissions by up to 120 kT CO2e per year.
A feasibility study is expected to be completed in early 2025, with commissioning in 2027, subject to relevant approvals and final investment decisions.
While 600 MW to 700 MW of renewable energy is expected to be required by 2030 to displace the majority of gas use across Rio Tinto’s Pilbara power network, additional renewable energy will be required to support widespread fleet electrification after 2030.
“The Solar farm project will enable NAC to realize sustainable revenues, increase contracting opportunities, and contribute to a positive environmental impact in the Pilbara,” said Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation CEO Ljuba Mojovic.
