Rio Tinto, a global mining company, has signed an agreement to develop two solar power stations, Smoky Creek and Guthrie’s Gap, located in Central Queensland, with a combined capacity of 600MWac of solar photovoltaic (PV) and 600MW/2,400MWh of battery energy storage systems (BESS). The projects will be built, owned, and operated by Edify Energy, with construction expected to begin in late 2025 and completion in 2028.
The deal marks the first time Rio Tinto has integrated battery storage technology to decarbonize its aluminum operations, with the 2,160MWh of BESS capacity providing around 30% of the firming required to repower the Boyne smelter with renewable energy. The projects will also help secure a total of 2.7GW of future wind and solar energy in Queensland.
The solar power stations will be used to store green energy for reliable use during peak demand periods or low solar output, improving the stability and resilience of Queensland’s power network. This is part of Rio Tinto’s efforts to decarbonize its mining and smelting operations in Australia, with plans to develop two 5.25MW solar PV power plants in the Northern Territory and a memorandum of understanding with the Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation for solar and wind projects in the Pilbara region.
The move is not unique, as other mining companies, such as Fortescue in Western Australia and Whitehaven Energy in New South Wales, are also exploring the use of solar PV in mines. The Energy Storage Summit Australia 2025, hosted by Solar Media, will bring together industry professionals to discuss the latest developments and trends in energy storage.