The Port Hedland Solar Farm has officially commenced operations in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. Developed by leading gas and electricity company APA Group, the project is engineered to withstand extreme cyclonic conditions and integrates a battery energy storage system for a reliable power supply, marking a significant step forward in Australia’s renewable energy transition.
​A Solar Farm Built for Harsh Conditions
Located on the northwest Australian coastline, the Port Hedland Solar Farm is designed to endure the region’s extreme weather, withstanding sustained wind speeds of up to 288 kph. The facility combines a 45 MW solar farm with a 35 MW/36.7 MWh battery energy storage system, connecting to both APA’s gas-fired Port Hedland Power Station (also known as the Boodarie Power Station) and the North West Interconnected System (NWIS) grid.
The infrastructure primarily supports BHP’s iron ore port facilities, meeting most of their daytime energy needs. APA’s existing gas-fueled plant and the battery storage system supplement the remaining demand. This hybrid approach demonstrates a feasible transition toward renewable energy for remote mining operations.
​Renewable Energy and Grid Stability
APA Group collaborated with Monford Group to build the facility, employing advanced engineering techniques. Its 119,056 solar panels are installed at a 10-degree tilt to reduce wind forces and enhance stability. To secure the structure, engineers drove 32,000 steel piles 2.2 meters into the ground and used steel cross-sections up to 4 mm thick, reinforcing the foundation against high winds.
Extreme weather poses a significant challenge to solar deployment in coastal areas, but APA Group’s design overcomes this barrier, setting a new benchmark for renewable energy projects in cyclone-prone regions.
The integrated battery energy storage system is also vital for stabilizing the power supply. In the Pilbara, for instance, cloud cover can cause solar output to drop from 100% to under 20% in less than two minutes. The battery mitigates these fluctuations by storing excess energy and dispatching it when needed, ensuring consistent power for industrial operations and enhancing grid stability.
​Future Expansion and Decarbonization Efforts
The Port Hedland Solar Farm is crucial to Western Australia’s clean energy future, setting a precedent for deploying renewable infrastructure in extreme environments. Decarbonizing Australia’s resource sector remains a complex challenge. For instance, one estimate from Watson suggests that achieving this goal in the Pilbara alone will require an investment of approximately AUD 15 billion ($9.72 billion).
Despite these challenges, the Port Hedland project demonstrates the viability of large-scale solar generation while maintaining cost competitiveness and energy security. APA Group is already exploring further expansions, including a potential extension of the Port Hedland solar farm and a 30 MW addition to the Chichester Solar Farm. The company is also considering new electricity transmission infrastructure to connect Port Hedland with mines near Newman.
This is APA Group’s first major renewable energy project in Western Australia since its AUD 1.7 billion acquisition of Alinta Energy’s Pilbara assets. The company’s commitment to expanding its renewable infrastructure will significantly contribute to the region’s transition away from fossil fuels.
The Port Hedland Solar Farm represents a significant advancement in renewable energy. Its ability to withstand extreme weather serves as a model for future coastal projects, while its integrated battery storage ensures a stable energy supply despite solar intermittency. The collaboration between BHP and APA Group also highlights the mining industry’s growing commitment to sustainable solutions, marking a major step toward reducing emissions while maintaining energy reliability in remote locations.
