Ensuring a sustainable power future for the region post-mining
Rio Tinto’s Gove site is transitioning to sustainable power with a hybrid system combining 26 MW diesel and 10.5 MW solar farms, developed with Aggreko and the input from the local Traditional Owner Groups to support a post-mining energy future of the region. This project will significantly reduce diesel use and carbon emissions while fostering community engagement and education.
- The Challenge
Develop sustainable future for the Gove Peninsula
- The Solution
Enhancing sustainability of the remote power system
- The Impact
Advancing sustainability and community engagement
Client:Rio Tinto
Location:Gove Peninsula, Northern territory
Sectors:Mining
The Challenge
Develop sustainable future for the Gove Peninsula
For over 40 years, Rio Tinto’s Gove site in the Northern Territory has been a key supplier of high-quality bauxite for the global aluminium industry. As mining activities at Gove wind down, Rio Tinto, in partnership with Aggreko, is focused on ensuring a sustainable energy future for the Gove Peninsula. The transition involves the construction of two 5.25 MW solar farms on Gumatj and Rirratjingu country, in collaboration with local Traditional Owner Groups.
Operating on Indigenous land introduces a layer of complexity that requires respectful engagement, cultural sensitivity, and genuine collaboration with local communities to meet both environmental and social expectations.
The Solution
Enhancing sustainability of the remote power system
Aggreko has been operating a 26 MW diesel-powered remote power system since 2014, supplying energy to both the Gove bauxite mine and the town of Nhulunbuy under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
This system comprises 26 x 1 MW Cummins KTA50G12 diesel generators, providing reliable power for over a decade. To enhance sustainability, Aggreko is integrating two 5.25 MW solar farms into the existing diesel system, with construction commencing in July 2024 and completion expected by Q3 2025. The hybrid power system will significantly reduce the mine and town’s dependence on diesel.
Once fully operational, the hybrid system will include 26 MW of diesel power generation and 10.5 MW of solar power, using Canadian Solar panels, Sungrow inverters, and Nextracker tracking systems.
Acting General Manager - Rio Tinto Gove Operations
Shannon Price
The Impact
Advancing sustainability and community engagement
The Gove hybrid power project marks a significant step in Rio Tinto’s decarbonisation journey, delivering long-term, sustainable energy to the region. By integrating solar into the existing diesel system, the project is expected to cut diesel use by 5 million litres annually and lower carbon emissions by 13,460 tonnes.
Aggreko’s role extends beyond energy. In the town of Nhulunbuy, our Reconciliation Action Plan is brought to life through direct engagement with Traditional Owner Groups, support for local initiatives like Gayili Yunipingu’s women’s shelter, and STEM-focused education programs tailored for First Nations students. These include solar powered robotics and hands-on workshops designed to inspire future careers in science and technology.