Aggreko, a UK-based power solutions provider, is set to build two solar farms with a combined capacity of 10.5 MW on land leased from mining group Rio Tinto Ltd on the Gove Peninsula in Australia’s Northern Territory.
Aggreko Partners with Rio Tinto
A world leader in energy solutions, Aggreko offers modular and scalable photovoltaic solar panel systems and equipment, including installation, monitoring, and battery storage.
Photovoltaic solar panel.
As part of its agreement with Rio Tinto, Aggreko will build two 5.25 MW solar farms to provide renewable energy for communities on the Gove Peninsula. Construction is scheduled to start this month, with the project expected to be operational by early 2025.
The deal also extends the existing power supply arrangement between Aggreko and Rio Tinto Gove for another 10 years and includes the delivery and maintenance of the new solar farms.
George Whyte, Managing Director of Aggreko Asia Pacific, added: “Aggreko is delighted to extend its longstanding partnership with Rio Tinto Gove for another decade. The installation of two solar farms will significantly reduce the region’s carbon footprint.”
Aggreko to Build Solar Farms on Indigenous Land
The solar facilities will be built on land belonging to the Gumatj and Rirratjingu clans, the Traditional Owners of the Gove Peninsula.
Rio Tinto Gove Operations Acting General Manager, Shannon Price said, “The Gove solar project aligns with our shared vision with Traditional Owners to create a positive legacy for the Gove Peninsula communities after bauxite mining ends. We’re excited to collaborate with the Gumatj and Rirratjingu clans to secure alternative electricity generation assets on their land and explore future opportunities to commercialise energy infrastructure. We are collaborating with the Northern Territory Government and Traditional Owners to ensure a seamless transition of leased land, town assets, and infrastructure as Rio Tinto plans to cease mining at Gove later this decade.”
Aggreko Solar Farms to Cut Diesel Use by 20%
According to a statement from Rio Tinto, the solar farms are projected to cut the region’s annual diesel consumption by about 20% once operational—roughly 4.5 million litres. They are also expected to reduce carbon emissions by over 12,000 tonnes per year, equivalent to taking more than 2,800 cars off the road.
“The solar farms are also a key element of our ongoing effort to decarbonize our business. Once they are operational, they are expected to reduce annual CO2 emissions at our Gove operations by up to 17%. Our goal is for these farms to provide sustainable power for the region even after mining operations have ceased,” said Shannon Price, Rio Tinto Gove Operations Acting General Manager.
