Andrew Forrest's Pilbara Energy is proposing the Bonney Downs wind farm in Western Australia's Pilbara region, aiming to halve the number of turbines while maintaining a target installed renewable energy capacity of 2.1 GW. The project, referred for federal environmental approval, seeks to decarbonize iron ore operations with potential use of Nabrawind self-erecting tower technology. Separate from the Nullagine Pilot Wind Farm, this controlled action under the EPBC Act includes plans for post-construction habitat rehabilitation to restore fauna habitat lost during construction, focusing on re-establishing critical habitat for EPBC Act listed species.
Tag: Pilbara
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Fortescue forges ahead on Pilbara “real zero” goal with construction of state’s biggest solar farm
Fortescue Metals is making significant progress in its renewable energy plans in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, with the construction of the 440 MW Solomon Airport solar farm and plans for additional solar farms. The company aims to achieve "real zero" emissions by 2030 by focusing on using solar and wind power, along with battery storage, to provide 24/7 firm power for its operations. Fortescue's efforts to reduce reliance on diesel and gas have been proven to be more economical through the use of solar energy. The potential for automation in solar panel installations could further simplify the process and make solar energy more accessible and widespread, contributing to climate solutions in the region.
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Fortescue launches its first electric locomotives – with batteries the size of more than 200 Tesla EVs
Fortescue is making strides towards eliminating fossil fuels at its mining operations in the Pilbara by 2030, with the unveiling of the first of its two battery locomotives. The company plans to replace its diesel fleet with 70 battery-powered trains, generating regenerative power but requiring topping up at the port. Fortescue is also exploring various battery technologies, such as solid state, sodium ion, and different lithium ion chemistries, to improve the efficiency of its electric locomotives. The company aims to transition its entire fleet to electric vehicles and equipment, alongside building multiple gigawatts of wind and solar energy, and up to 5 gigawatt hours of battery storage. Challenges with battery capacity and energy density are being addressed as Fortescue tests the performance of the locomotives at the Thomas railway yard in Port Hedland.
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ARENA makes its biggest single solar tech grant to help Fortescue test new ideas for expanding PV plans
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has invested $45 million in Fortescue to test new solar technologies in the Pilbara region, aiming to achieve "real zero" emissions at its mines by 2030 through a 1.5 GW solar portfolio. The Solar Innovation Hub will trial technologies to improve safety, delivery speed, and cost reduction, with the goal of reducing barriers to large solar deployments and bringing down the cost of installed solar below $20 per megawatt hour by 2050. Co-locating innovations within Fortescue's solar farms allows for real-world testing and collaboration within the sector, while also funding trials for robotics in the construction process of solar farms to achieve ultra low-cost solar goals.