 has announced its plans for two new 5.25MW solar farms for the Gove Peninsula in the Northern Territory.){kind=link}
Rio Tinto promises two new solar farms for energy transition
Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) has announced its plans for two new 5.25MW solar farms for the Gove Peninsula in the Northern Territory.
Construction will begin in July 2024, with completion scheduled for early 2025. Aggreko will construct, own and operate the solar farms for Rio Tinto for up to 10 years.
The solar farms will be built on Rio Tinto leases, following agreement with the Gumatj and Rirratjingu Traditional Owner Groups, and will help transition to a low-carbon future after mining operations cease towards the end of the decade.
Rio Tinto Gove operations acting general manager Shannon Price says this project will leave a positive legacy for the local community after bauxite mining ceases.
“We’re excited to work with the Gumatj and Rirratjingu clans to provide an opportunity to secure alternative electricity generation assets on their country and to discuss opportunities to commercialise energy infrastructure in the future,” she said.
“We are working in partnership with the Northern Territory Government and Traditional Owners to ensure a smooth transition of leased land and town assets and infrastructure as Rio Tinto prepares to stop mining at Gove later this decade.
“We are committed to our role in helping to plan for the region’s future, which includes providing options for reliable, affordable and environmentally sustainable infrastructure.
“The solar farms are also part of our ongoing commitment to decarbonise our business. Once operational, they are expected to reduce annual CO2e emissions at our Gove operations by up to 17%.
“We intend for these farms to underpin sustainable power for the region beyond mining.”
The solar farms are expected to reduce the region’s annual diesel consumption by about 20% and lower annual carbon emissions by over 12,000t.