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.

36.5 MWTotal capacity

26 MWDiesel power

10.5 MWSolar power

5 MillionLitres diesel saving annually

13460 TonnesCO2 reduction annually

10 YearsContract term

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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. The hybrid power system significantly reduces the mine and town’s dependence on diesel.

The hybrid system now includes 26 MW of diesel power generation and 10.5 MW of solar power, using Canadian Solar panels, Sungrow inverters, and Nextracker tracking systems.

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The Gove solar project is part of our shared vision with Traditional Owners to leave a positive legacy for the Gove Peninsula communities after bauxite mining ceases. We intend for these farms to underpin sustainable power for the region beyond mining

Shannon Price , Acting General Manager - Rio Tinto Gove Operations

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.

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