Aggreko to Construct 10.5 MW Solar Farms in Northern Australia

Global power solutions provider Aggreko is set to significantly enhance renewable energy capacity in Australia’s Northern Territory through a new partnership with mining group Rio Tinto. The project involves the construction of two 5.25 MW solar farms, delivering a combined 10.5 MW of clean energy to communities on the Gove Peninsula.

Under the terms of the agreement, Aggreko will build, own, and operate the new facilities on land leased from Rio Tinto. Construction is slated to commence this month, with the solar installations expected to be fully operational by early 2025. This development is integrated into a broader 10-year extension of the existing power supply arrangement between the two companies, reinforcing their long-term collaboration in the region.

The environmental benefits of the project are substantial. Once online, the farms are projected to reduce the region’s annual diesel consumption by approximately 4.5 million litres, a decrease of about 20%. This will result in a significant reduction of over 12,000 tonnes of carbon emissions per year, which is equivalent to taking more than 2,800 cars off the road. Shannon Price, Acting General Manager for Rio Tinto Gove Operations, noted, “Once they are operational, they are expected to reduce annual CO2 emissions at our Gove operations by up to 17%.”

The project is deeply rooted in collaboration with the Traditional Owners of the Gove Peninsula, the Gumatj and Rirratjingu clans, on whose land the facilities will be built. “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,” said Price. This initiative is a key part of the strategy to ensure a sustainable energy future for the region as Rio Tinto plans to cease mining operations later this decade.

George Whyte, Managing Director of Aggreko Asia Pacific, celebrated the continued partnership. “Aggreko is delighted to extend its longstanding partnership with Rio Tinto Gove for another decade,” he stated. “The installation of two solar farms will significantly reduce the region’s carbon footprint.” The project underscores a shared commitment to decarbonization and exploring future opportunities for commercializing sustainable energy infrastructure.

Sources on Aggreko to Construct 10.5 MW Solar Farms in Northern Australia

1. Aggreko, Rio Tinto to power up Northern Territory with new solar farms
2. Aggreko Installs Two Solar Farms for Gove
3. Aggreko News | Aggreko FJ
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5. Rio Tinto to build two solar farms in Northern Territory, Australia
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8. Rio Tinto agreements for two solar farms in the Northern Territory
9. Two new solar farms for Gove Peninsula as Rio Tinto works to …