Sustainable energy solution for Amrun mine
Driving progress with innovative, sustainable energy solutions
To help Rio Tinto reduce its reliance on diesel fuel, Aggreko has implemented a hybrid power system that combines solar energy and battery storage with an existing diesel power station. The power plant, operated under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), reduces the mine’s carbon footprint and operating costs.
- The Challenge
Reduce reliance on diesel at a remote mine
- The Solution
Hybrid power plant combining solar farm with BESS and diesel
- The Impact
An effective solution for sustainable mining in remote region
Client:Rio Tinto
Location:Cape York Peninsula, Queensland
Sectors:Mining
The Challenge
Reduce reliance on diesel at a remote mine
As part of its decarbonisation strategy, Rio Tinto sought to reduce its reliance on diesel at its Amrun bauxite mine, located on the Cape York Peninsula. The company approved the development of a 12.4 MW solar farm and an 8.8 MW / 2.1 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to enhance sustainability at the mine.
Aggreko was contracted under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to build, own, and operate the hybrid power system, which would complement the existing diesel power system. This project aims to reduce diesel consumption by 37%, saving approximately 5.5 million litres of diesel annually, while cutting CO2 emissions by 14,000 tonnes per year – equivalent to removing 3,100 cars from the road.