TransAlta, the Canadian-headquartered energy company, and mining giant BHP have commenced commercial operations at the Northern Goldfields Solar and Battery Facility in Western Australia. The facility is set to power BHP's nickel mining operations in the region through two solar projects and a battery energy storage system (BESS).
The Mt Keith solar farm, with a capacity of 27.4MW, and the Leinster solar project, generating 10.7MW, are complemented by a 10.1MW BESS at the latter solar farm. Connected to TransAlta's Southern Cross Energy North network, the combined capacity now stands at 169MW, contributing to the Australian renewable power sector.
BHP Australia President Geraldine Slattery emphasized the facility's role in meeting the increasing demand for nickel in batteries and electric vehicles, highlighting BHP's commitment to sustainable, lower-carbon products. The project marks a step forward in BHP's plan to reduce operational greenhouse gas emissions by at least 30% by FY30, compared to FY20 levels.
BHP anticipates a 12% reduction in scope two carbon emissions at the Nickel West mines, though questions have been raised about the overall effectiveness of the project in addressing scope one or three emissions. The Responsible Mining Foundation (RMF) noted in its 2022 Responsible Mining Index that while BHP scored high in environmental commitments, its actionable policies to minimize climate change impacts received a lower rating.
Bill Johnston, Western Australian Minister for Mines and Petroleum, Energy, Hydrogen Industry, and Industrial Relations, expressed optimism about projects like the solar-plus-storage initiative setting a global standard for environmentally conscious mining.
The launch follows other notable developments in the Australian solar sector, including the national government's plan to underwrite 32GW of new renewable power capacity and 5B's construction of “folding” PV modules in the Northern Territory rural community.
