Rio Tinto and Edify Energy have signed two solar and battery hybrid services agreements (HSAs) in Australia.
Located in central Queensland, the Smoky Creek and Guthrie’s Gap solar power stations will feature 600MWac of solar and 600MW / 2400MWh of battery storage.
Under the 20-year deal, Rio Tinto will receive clean electricity from the projects for its Gladstone aluminium operations in Queensland.
Rio Tinto will purchase 90% of the power and battery storage capacity generated by Smoky Creek and Guthrie’s Gap.
Edify Energy will build, own, and operate the projects, with construction due to begin in late 2025 and targeting completion in 2028.
Rio Tinto Australia’s chief executive Kellie Parker said: “These agreements are integral to repowering our Gladstone aluminium operations with affordable, reliable and lower carbon energy for decades to come.
“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.”
Edify Energy chief executive John Cole highlighted the importance of HSAs in providing clean, reliable and cost-effective electricity to energy consumers.
“The Smoky Creek and Guthrie’s Gap solar power stations deliver the latest in solar, battery and inverter technology to support Australia’s power needs,” he said.
“This collaboration is an important commitment to supporting the sustainable future of Australia’s industrial sector.
“We are proud to advance Rio Tinto’s goals to repower its Gladstone operations and to play a role in the transition to a low-carbon economy.”
Rio Tinto’s 90% share of the Smoky Creek and Guthrie’s Gap battery system capacity amounts to 2160MWh.
The solar farm will have 720MWp (megawatt peak) of installed solar panels – the theoretical maximum potential output – and will deliver 600MWac (megawatts alternating current) of usable power to the grid.
Picture: An artist’s impression of the Smoky Creek and Guthrie’s Gap solar power stations