Rio Tinto and Edify Energy have signed two new solar and battery hybrid services agreements to increase the supply of reliable energy to Rio Tinto’s Gladstone aluminium operations in central Queensland.
Under the terms of the agreements, Rio Tinto will purchase 90% of the power and battery storage capacity generated by the Smoky Creek & Guthrie’s Gap solar power stations for 20 years. Edify Energy will build, own and operate the stations, with construction due to begin in late 2025 with completion targeted for 2028.
“These agreements are integral to repowering our Gladstone aluminium operations with affordable, reliable and lower carbon energy for decades to come,” said Kellie Parker, Rio Tinto Chief Executive, Australia.
“For the first time, we have integrated crucial battery storage in our efforts to make the Boyne aluminium smelter globally cost-competitive, as traditional energy sources become more expensive. We continue to investigate further renewable energy investments to repower our Gladstone aluminium operations.”
The adjacent Smoky Creek & Guthrie’s Gap solar power stations will together feature 600 megawatts alternating current of solar and 600 MW (2,400 MWh) of battery storage.
When combined with the 2.2 gigawatts of renewable wind and solar power purchase agreements, Rio Tinto announced in 2024, the Smoky Creek & Guthrie’s Gap agreements help secure a total of 2.7 GW of future wind and solar energy in Queensland.
Rio Tinto’s 90% share of the Smoky Creek & Guthrie’s Gap battery system capacity amounts to 2,160 MWh, which will provide about 30% of the firming required to repower the Boyne smelter with renewable energy. It will also store green energy for reliable use during peak demand periods or low solar output.
Rio Tinto’s three production assets in the Gladstone region are the Boyne aluminium smelter, the Yarwun alumina refinery and the Queensland alumina refinery.
Source: Rio Tinto