PLS powers up Pilgangoora

A lithium powered battery energy storage system (BESS) has been energised at PLS’ (ASX: PLS) Pilgangoora operation in WA marking the completion of stage 1 of the company’s power strategy.

The BESS further improves stability and reliability of power at the Pilgangoora operation and decreases power-related emissions intensity.

PLS chief sustainability officer Sandra McInnes says the completion of stage 1 of the power strategy is a positive step forward.

“Having reliable and stable power is key to our 24-hour remote mining operation,” she said.

“The power station upgrade is critical to our decarbonisation pathway to reduce power-related emissions intensity at Pilgangoora.

“This project also aligns with our strategy to drive costs down while building for the future, ensuring we have the technology, capacity and optionality to capitalise when the lithium market turns.

“Lithium powered battery energy storage systems are a huge growth area of the energy sector, an area we expect will drive future growth in demand for lithium. It’s great to see this technology installed at our lithium mine in the Pilbara.”

The addition of the BESS follows a major upgrade to the power station, which is owned and operated by Pacific Energy, including new gas generators and onsite LNG storage which were completed in October 2024.

Stage 1 of the power strategy is expected to reduce power-related emissions intensity at the Pilgangoora operation by about 20% and could reduce power costs by as much as 25%.