As 2026 unfolds, mining companies and governments around the world are working to drive decarbonisation, including the Western Australian Government which has launched a new round of grants to support innovative clean projects.
Under the Clean Energy Future Fund, $9 million is available with individual grants running from $100,000 to $4 million.
The program supports projects that deliver emissions reductions and community benefits.
Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson says this fund helps local projects turn ideas into action.
“Investing in clean energy is critical to decarbonising our economy and securing Western Australia’s position as a leader in the transition to net zero,” Sanderson says.
Western Australia’s government has invested $37 million since the fund was first launched in 2020.
Stardust to explode Zambia’s energy
In Zambia, Stardust Solar Energy (TSX-V:SUN) has secured a 20-year utility-scale power purchase agreement with Zesco, to support a 30-megawatt solar project with up to US$60-90 million ($89-134 million) in contracted gross revenue.
The Zambian Government-backed agreement establishes long-duration, recurring royalty streams and represents the largest royalty-based infrastructure transaction in Stardust’s history.
As part of the agreement, Stardust has the right to sell solar-generated electricity to the Zambian Government at a fixed rate of US$0.07 per kilowatt-hour for 20 years.
Stardust will fund project development, construction, and provide all utility-scale engineering and technical oversight. In return, the company will earn a 50% royalty on all energy revenues, after approved allowable operating expenses, for the remaining term of the agreement following repayment of the project local and interest.
The 30 megawatt facility, comprising 45,000 high-efficiency solar panels, is expected to reach commercial operation later this year upon completion of the first 2 megawatts of solar. The project site includes 50 hectares of secured land, exceeding the requirements of the current agreement and providing capacity for further expansion under the existing development framework.
Commercialising Rincon
Meanwhile in Argentina, Argosy Minerals (ASX:AGY) is progressing on the energy infrastructure development for the 12,000 tonnes per year Rincon Lithium Project.
The Salta Electricity Distribution Company has completed detailed engineering and feasibility works on the Medium Voltage Line (MVL) Project for the development of energy infrastructure capable of supporting up to 40 megawatts of energy to Rincon.
The comprehensive design and feasibility work confirms the MVL Project has capacity to deliver a reliable 33 kilovolt power connection to Rincon from Argentina’s national power grid.
Argosy says the next phase of work for MVL comprises a competitive tender process to bid for the electric transmission line and associated transformer station construction works from reputable contractors.
Concurrently, the company is engaging with local renewable energy providers to establish power purchase agreements to ensure sustainable and cost-efficient energy supply to the Rincon Project via the national power grid.
Managing Director Jerko Zuvela says completing the MVL Project will provide a major cost-saving advantage, given access to energy is the key barrier to entry for many lithium projects.
“Being only 8km from such critical energy infrastructure beneficially positions Argosy for sustained growth and success to ultimately develop and successfully commercialise our Rincon Lithium Project,” Zuvela says.
Energy at sea
Lastly, Kraken Robotics (TSX-V:PNG) has recorded $35 million in SeaPower battery sales to three unnamed customers.
SeaPower batteries enable long-durance subsea operations on unmanned underwater vehicles.
With 200% greater energy density and 46% less weight per kilowatt-hour compared with traditional oil-compensated or pressure-housed batteries, SeaPower enables extended, deeper, and more complex underwater missions for defense, commercial, and marine research applications.
CEO Greg Reid says the company is positioned to supply power systems to the rapidly growing UUV segment, across platforms from extra large to small.
“We’re pleased to see increasing momentum on our SeaPower battery sales and look forward to continued strong growth with our current UUV customers and to integrating on several new platforms throughout 2026,” Reid says.
Kraken Robotics is transforming subsea intelligence through 3D imaging sensors, power solutions, and robotics systems.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Stardust Solar, Zesco, Argosy Minerals & Kraken Robotics
