Rio Tinto is set to construct two new 5.25MW solar farms on Gumatj and Rirratjingu lands in the Northern Territory’s Gove Peninsula. These solar energy developments aim to secure a sustainable power supply for the region beyond mining operations.
Partnership with Traditional Owners
The solar farms will be located on Rio Tinto leases, following agreements with the Gumatj and Rirratjingu Traditional Owner Groups. These projects are part of Rio Tinto’s vision to leave a positive legacy for the Gove community after mining ceases at the end of the decade.
Aggreko will construct, own, and operate the solar farms for up to 10 years, starting construction in July 2024 with completion slated for early 2025. The combined capacity of the two sites will be 10.5MW.
Transition to Sustainable Energy
Shannon Price, Acting General Manager of Rio Tinto Gove Operations, stated, “The Gove solar project aligns with our commitment to a low-carbon future for the Gove Peninsula communities post-mining. We’re excited to collaborate with the Gumatj and Rirratjingu clans to secure alternative electricity generation assets.”
Rio Tinto is working with the Northern Territory Government and Traditional Owners to ensure a smooth transition of leased land and town assets as mining operations wind down. The solar farms are expected to reduce annual CO2e emissions at Gove operations by up to 17%, supporting Rio Tinto’s decarbonization goals.
Environmental and Economic Impact
Once operational, the solar farms will decrease the region’s annual diesel consumption by about 20%, or 4.5 million litres per year, and reduce annual carbon emissions by over 12,000 tonnes. This reduction is equivalent to taking 2,800 internal combustion engine cars off the road.
The solar farms will provide reliable, affordable, and environmentally sustainable infrastructure, enhancing the region’s energy market trends. These developments are a crucial part of Rio Tinto’s commitment to green energy policies and solar energy investment.
A Legacy of Renewable Energy
The Gove site has supplied world-class bauxite to the global aluminium industry for over 40 years. With bauxite mining operations expected to end later this decade, Rio Tinto is working on the closure and rehabilitation of the refinery, mine site, and tailings facilities.
Upon completion, the land will be returned to the Traditional Owners, with Rio Tinto maintaining responsibility for ongoing monitoring of the tailings land. This collaboration ensures a sustainable and green energy future for the Gove Peninsula.
Rio Tinto’s initiatives highlight the importance of solar technology and energy storage in creating a sustainable power infrastructure. These projects set a precedent for future solar market analysis and green energy developments, aligning with global energy market trends.
Source：businesswire.com
