In a significant stride towards renewable energy integration, the Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation and Rio Tinto have embarked on a collaborative initiative to develop an 80MW solar farm on Ngarluma Country near Karratha, Australia. This pioneering project aims to supply clean energy to Rio Tinto’s extensive iron ore operations in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. The partnership was formalized following the signing of a memorandum of understanding, marking the beginning of joint efforts to explore renewable energy opportunities on Ngarluma Country.
The proposed solar farm is slated to be situated adjacent to Rio Tinto’s existing Yurralyi Maya Power Station, positioning it strategically within the company’s operational network. Upon completion, the project is anticipated to offset up to 11% of natural gas consumption currently utilized for power generation across Rio Tinto’s Pilbara mining operations. This reduction could potentially mitigate Rio Tinto’s carbon footprint by approximately 120,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent annually.
Scheduled for feasibility assessment by early 2025, with an envisaged commissioning in 2027 contingent upon regulatory approvals and final investment decisions, the project underscores Rio Tinto’s commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions. Projections indicate a need for 600MW to 700MW of renewable energy by 2030 to largely supplant gas usage across Rio Tinto’s Pilbara power infrastructure. Further expansions in renewable energy capacity are anticipated beyond 2030 to support anticipated fleet electrification initiatives.
Richard Cohen, Rio Tinto’s Managing Director of Rail, Port & Core Services, expressed pride in advancing this landmark project alongside the Ngarluma people, emphasizing its dual significance in emissions reduction and fostering economic opportunities. He underscored the project’s role in deepening Rio Tinto’s longstanding partnership with the Ngarluma community and its broader contribution to a sustainable future.
CEO of Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation, Ljuba Mojovic, highlighted the solar farm’s potential to generate sustainable revenue streams, enhance contracting prospects, and deliver positive environmental outcomes in the Pilbara region. Mojovic emphasized the project’s alignment with shared goals of environmental stewardship and economic empowerment within the Ngarluma community, illustrating the strength and mutual commitment underpinning their collaboration with Rio Tinto.
This initiative marks a pivotal moment in advancing renewable energy solutions within Australia’s mining sector, showcasing how collaboration between indigenous communities and industry leaders can drive significant strides towards sustainability and economic empowerment. As the project progresses through feasibility studies and regulatory processes, it stands poised to set a precedent for future renewable energy ventures in the region, emphasizing a holistic approach to environmental stewardship and community development.
