One of world's largest renewable microgrids powers remote gold mine
Aggreko partnered with Gold Fields Australia to integrate a 19 MW solar power system, 11 MW battery storage, and 40 MW of gas power into a hybrid microgrid for the Granny Smith mine, reducing carbon emissions by approximately 23,803 tCO2e annually. This innovative solution lowered energy costs, minimised environmental impact, and maintained reliable power for seamless mining operations.
- The Challenge
Help our customer introduce renewables into their energy mix without compromising power reliability
- The Solution
Leverage the benefits of hybrid energy and minimise capital outlay
- The Impact
Lower energy costs and minimised environmental impact
Client: Gold Fields Australia
Location: Laverton, Western Australia
Sectors:Mining
The Challenge
Help our customer introduce renewables into their energy mix without compromising power reliability
Gold Fields aims to cut Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 50% by 2030, driving the need for innovative, low-emission energy solutions that maintain operational reliability.
After a gas pipeline was built in 2016, the company sought a cleaner, more cost-effective alternative to diesel at its Granny Smith mine. Aggreko was engaged to deliver a gas-powered system to reduce fuel costs and emissions. As energy needs grew, a hybrid solution integrating renewables became essential to meet demand without compromising reliability.
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The Solution
Leverage the benefits of hybrid energy and minimise capital outlay
Since 2016, Gold Fields and Aggreko have collaborated to develop a fully integrated hybrid power system at the Granny Smith mine. The project began with a 22 MW gas-fired power station, replacing diesel as the primary energy source. Over time, the system has evolved into a 75 MW hybrid facility combining diesel, gas, solar, and battery storage. Aggreko designed, built, and continues to operate the system under a 15-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), supplying 100% of the site’s power needs.
The current configuration includes:
- 5 MW diesel power & 40 MW gas power
- 19 MW solar farm
- 11 MW / 11 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
The system is managed by Aggreko’s in-house advanced energy software, ensuring high availability, optimal performance, and seamless integration across the mine, plant, and accommodation facilities.
Gold Fields Executive Vice President Australasia
Stuart Mathews
The Impact
Lower energy costs and minimised environmental impact
The hybrid power system at Granny Smith has delivered measurable environmental and operational gains. By cutting carbon emissions by approximately 23,803 tonnes of CO2 annually and saving 47,895 GJ of fuel each year, Gold Fields has significantly reduced its dependence on fossil fuels while improving energy efficiency.
This fully integrated solution ensures consistent, reliable power across the site without requiring upfront capital investment. It supports operational continuity, lowers energy costs, and aligns with Gold Fields’ broader sustainability strategy. Beyond cost and carbon savings, the project demonstrates how innovative energy models can enable mining operations to meet ambitious decarbonisation targets while maintaining productivity.