80 MW solar farm planned in Pilbara by Rio Tinto

Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation (NAC) and UK-based Rio Tinto have agreed to develop an 80 MW solar farm on Ngarluma Country near Karratha, aimed at supplying renewable energy to Rio Tinto’s iron ore operations in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. This is the first project under their memorandum of understanding to explore renewable energy initiatives. Located next to Rio Tinto’s Yurralyi Maya Power Station, the solar farm could reduce natural gas use by up to 11% and cut emissions by up to 120 kT CO2 annually. The feasibility study is expected by early 2025, with commissioning planned for 2027, pending approvals and investment decisions. According to Rio Tinto, 600 MW to 700 MW of renewable energy will be needed by 2030 to largely replace gas usage in the Pilbara power network, with additional renewable energy required to support fleet electrification post-2030.