BHP Group Launches Solar and Battery Facility in Northern Goldfields
New Solar Farm Operational
BHP, in partnership with TransAlta, has activated a new solar farm in the Northern Goldfields. This facility, comprising approximately 70,000 solar panels, is one of the largest off-grid mining solar and battery energy storage systems globally. It spans 90 hectares and aims to reduce BHP's scope 2 emissions at its Nickel West northern operations by 12%.
Facility Details and Emissions Reduction Goal
The Northern Goldfields Solar and Battery Storage Facility includes a 27.4 MW solar farm at Mt Keith and a 10.7 MW solar farm with a 10.1 MW battery at Leinster. Integrated into TransAlta's remote power grid, the facility will replace power currently generated from diesel and gas, aligning with BHP's target to reduce operational greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by FY2030.
Job Creation and Ongoing Employment
Initiated in 2022, the facility's construction created over 100 direct and indirect jobs in the Goldfields and Perth regions. It also supports ongoing employment during its operations.
