Name of the Project
Amrun bauxite operations renewable-energy project.
Location
Near Weipa, in Queensland, Australia.
Project Owner/s
Rio Tinto and Aggreko.
Aggreko has been contracted to build, own, and operate the solar farm to supply renewable electricity to the Amrun bauxite mine operations, in addition to its current contract to supply electricity generated from an existing diesel power station.
Project Description
Rio Tinto approved a new 12.4 MW solar farm and 8.8 MVA/2.1 MWh of battery storage in December 2023 to provide renewable energy for its Amrun bauxite operations.
The solar farm and battery storage are part of Rio Tinto’s global decarbonisation strategy and ongoing efforts to reduce emissions at its Pacific bauxite, alumina and aluminium operations.
The project is expected to reduce Amrun’s diesel electricity consumption by 37% and carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions by 14 000 t/y, and will add to the existing 5.6 MW of solar and
4 MWh of battery power built for Rio Tinto’s Weipa operations.
Once completed, the Amrun solar farm will provide about 21 GWh/y of renewable power.
Potential Job Creation
Not stated.
Capital Expenditure
Not stated.
Planned Start/End Date
The project is expected to be operational by early 2025.
Latest Developments
None stated.
Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
Aggreko (build, own, and operate the solar farm).
Contact Details for Project Information
Rio Tinto, tel +61 7 3625 3000 or email media.enquiries@riotinto.com.