Rio Tinto and Ngarluma collaborate on renewable energy project
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Rio Tinto and Ngarlum Aboriginal Corporation (NAC) announced that they will partner to develop an 80-megawatt (MW) solar farm in Ngarluma Country, near Karratha.
The solar farm will primarily focus on delivering renewable energy to Rio Tinto’s iron ore operations in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.
The project marks the first proposed project that the Ngarluma people and Rio Tinto will work on after signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the potential for renewable energy projects in Ngarluma Country.
According to the announcement, the project is expected to be situated near Rio Tinto’s Yurralyi Maya Power Station near Karratha.
This particular project has the capacity to “displace up to 11% of natural gas” used for consumption for power generation at Rio Tinto’s combined mining sites in the Pilbara.
Also read: Rio Tinto to invest $143 million to test low-carbon ironmaking
Upon completion, this would reduce Rio Tinto’s emissions by up to 120 kilo tons of CO2 equivalent annually.
A study to determine feasibility is expected to be finished by early 2025, with the start of operation set for 2027, subject to required approvals and the ultimate investment decision.
By 2030, Rio Tinto’s Pilbara power network will need 600MW to 700MW of renewable energy to replace most of the gas consumption.
In addition, more renewable energy will be needed to facilitate the extensive electrification of the fleet, which is projected to take place after 2030.
Also read: Rio Tinto and BHP move towards Net-Zero with electric truck trials in Pilbara
Rio Tinto Managing Director Rail, Port & Core Services Richard Cohen said, “We’re incredibly proud to progress this project along with the Ngarluma people and are grateful for their effort and support to reach this important milestone.”
He added, “Developments like this are about more than reducing emissions – they’re critical for economic opportunities and strengthening our connection with the Ngarluma People.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.”
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