Fortescue to build solar power plant for ore mining operations

The proposal includes the installation of solar panels, a substation and supporting infrastructure

The Australian mining company Fortescue Metals Group has submitted a proposal to the Australian Environmental Protection Agency to approve the proposed solar energy hub on the Turner River. This is reported by pv-magazine International.

The project with a planned capacity of 644 MW will power the company’s iron ore mining facility near Port Hedland. The proposal includes the installation of solar panels, a substation and a 220 kV transmission line, ancillary infrastructure, as well as roads and corridors for the overhead power grid.

The electricity generated by this solar hub will be exported to the Fortescue integrated grid through a connection to the Pilbara Energy Connect (PEC) North Star Junction substation, which is being built as part of the Pilbara Transmission Project.

The first phase of PEC was completed last year and included a 100 MW solar power plant at North Star Junction. By 2030, Fortescue is expected to deploy 2-3 GW of renewable energy capacity and battery storage to phase out fossil fuels for its ore mining operations. In 2022, Fortescue Metals Group has allocated A$6.2 billion ($3.9 billion) for these purposes.

In February of this year, Fortescue Metals Group acquired a controlling stake in Red Hawk Mining Company. The offer, submitted in January, was aimed at securing access to the undeveloped Blacksmith ore project. Its total mineral resources are currently estimated at 243 million tons with an iron grade of 59.3%. The acquisition is aligned with Fortescue’s broader growth strategy and represents a strategic opportunity to continue the company’s expansion in the steelmaking raw materials sector.