Energy solutions company Aggreko plans to build two 5.25 megawatt solar farms on Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) ground to provide renewable energy to the Gove peninsula communities, including Nhulunbuy, in the Northern Territory.
Aggreko’s solar farm plan will be implemented through a power supply agreement with Rio Tinto, which will be extended for an additional 10 years.
The solar farms will be built on Rio Tinto’s leases, following an agreement with Gumatj and Rirratjingu traditional owner groups on the location of the facilities.
Rio Tinto Gove General Manager Steve Dunstone says the Gove solar project is part of the company’s commitment to leave a positive legacy for the community.
“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 cease mining later this decade,” he says.
Once the solar farms are operational, it is expected that they will reduce the region’s reliance on diesel generated power and introduce more sustainable options.
The solar farms are expected to reduce the diesel consumption at the power station by 20%.
Aggreko’s environmental, social, and governance strategy is underpinned by achieving net zero emissions from facilities and operations by 2035, and a 30% reduction in the emissions intensity of energy solutions by 2030.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Aggreko
