Rio Tinto plans to establish two 5.25 MW solar farms on Gumatj and Rirratjingu lands at the Gove Peninsula in the Northern Territory. Agreements with the Traditional Owner Groups facilitate these solar facilities, located on Rio Tinto leases. Aggreko will oversee construction, ownership, and operation over a decade, commencing construction in July 2024 and completing by early 2025. Together, these sites will generate 10.5 MW of power. According to company claims, Shannon Price, Acting GM of Rio Tinto Gove Operations, emphasized the project’s alignment with their joint vision to leave a positive legacy post-mining era. The initiative aims to ensure sustainable energy post-mining, reducing the region’s annual diesel use by 20% (4.5 million liters) and cutting carbon emissions by over 12,000 tonnes annually.
Rio Tinto’s 10.5 MW solar power initiative
Construction of the solar farms will begin in July 2024 and is expected to be completed by early 2025. (Image Credit: Rio Tinto)
The dual-use project integrates agriculture under solar panels and floating aquaculture with energy storage. (Image Source: PRNewswire)
The Horsham project combines solar and battery storage, supporting grid stability and peak demand management. (Image Credit/Source: Atimedia/Pixabay)
The 20 MW solar project actively supports Eramet’s SBTi roadmap and climate goals. (Image Source: SolarPanal/Pixabay)
Sherco Solar is the Upper Midwest’s largest solar project, set to power 150,000 homes when fully operational. (Image Source: Xcel Energy)