Rio Tinto signs 20-year PV and battery agreements with Edify Energy

Rio Tinto, a UK-based mining and metals company, has signed two 20-year hybrid solar and storage agreements with Edify Energy to supply renewable power to its Gladstone aluminium operations in Queensland. Rio Tinto will purchase 90% of the power and storage capacity from the 600 MW AC Smoky Creek and Guthrie’s Gap Solar Power Stations, which will include a 2,400 MWh BESS. Edify Energy has stated that it will develop, own, and operate the projects, with construction scheduled to begin in late 2025 and completion expected by 2028. Rio Tinto said that the projects will supply 80% of Boyne aluminium smelter’s electricity needs, reducing emissions by 70% or 5.6 million tons of CO₂ annually. Rio Tinto also stated that its 2,160 MWh battery share will provide 30% of the firming capacity required for grid stability.