Name of the Project
Diavik diamond mine solar farm.

Location
Canada.

Project Owner/s
Rio Tinto.

Project Description
Rio Tinto plans to build the biggest solar power plant across Canada’s territories at the Diavik mine.

The plant will significantly expand Diavik’s renewable-energy generation, which already features a wind-diesel hybrid power facility that has a capacity of 55.4 MW, and provides the site’s electricity. The solar power plant will encompass more than 6 600 solar panels, which will generate an estimated 4 200 MWh/y of carbon-free electricity for the mine.

The facility will be equipped with bifacial panels that will generate energy from not only direct sunlight but also the light reflected off of the snow that covers Diavik for most of the year.

The facility will cut diesel use at the site by about one-million litres a year and reduce carbon emissions by 2 900 t of carbon dioxide equivalent a year, which is comparable to eliminating the emissions of 630 cars.

The solar power plant will provide up to 25% of the mine’s electricity during closure work that will run until 2029.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
Not stated.

Planned Start/End Date
The solar power plant will be fully operational in the first half of 2024.

Latest Developments
None stated.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
None stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Rio Tinto, email media.enquiries@riotinto.com.