Iberdrola will supply green energy to BHP's Olimpic Dam mining project

It has been selected by the Anglo-Australian multinational BHP

Half of the energy will be generated by its first hybrid wind and solar project in the world and the highest power in the country, Port Augusta (320 MW).

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Iberdrola has been selected by the Anglo-Australian multinational BHP to supply 100% renewable energy to your mining project Olympic Dam, one of the largest underground copper, gold and uranium deposits in the world, located in southern Australia. The supply of green energy will begin in mid-2022 and will allow BHP to reduce emissions from Olympic Dam electricity consumption by 50% by 2025, contributing to its global target of 30% reduction of scope 1 and 2 emissions to 2030.

 

 

 

The long-term power purchase agreement contemplates a specific PPA on the production of port-augusta, Iberdrola's first hybrid wind and solar park in the world and the largest in Australia, with 320 MW of installed power. The project, which the company is building in the state of South Australia, will supply around half of the electricity needed for Olympic Dam. The contract also includes an innovative mechanism whereby BHP will acquire Large Scale Generation Certificates (LGCs) for 100% of the contracted energy until 2025.

 

Ross Rolfe, CEO of Iberdrola Australia, explained that “we are delighted with this alliance that will help BHP achieve its decarbonization and sustainability objectives. We have co-designed this bespoke renewable energy supply agreement to ensure that Olympic Dam becomes the largest customer of the renewable production generated by Port Augusta; an example of the commitment of both companies to the sustainable economic development of the region.”

 

Jennifer Purdie, BHP Asset President, commented that “this agreement reinforces our commitment to the renewable development of South Australia. Copper production from Olympic Dam will support global decarbonization and the energy transition as an essential product in the manufacturing of electric vehicle batteries and renewable infrastructure. “Reducing emissions from our operations will further improve our position as a sustainable copper producer.”

 

The Minister of Energy and Mining of South Australia, Dan Van Holst Pellekaan, noted that “the Marshall Government welcomes the agreement as another step on South Australia's path towards cleaner, cheaper electricity for industry, businesses and homes. "It highlights the success of the roadmap of BHP, Iberdrola and other companies that achieve the right combination of generation sources, including wind and solar farms, to provide cleaner and more reliable electricity."

 

First hybrid wind and solar plant in the world

 

Iberdrola has completed the installation of the wind farm of its first hybrid wind and solar project in the world: Port Augusta, located in the state of South Australia and made up of 50 wind turbines and 250.000 solar panels.

 

The renewable installation - with an investment of 500 million Australian dollars - combines 210 MW of wind power with 107 MW of photovoltaics and will generate, once it comes into operation in the coming months, enough clean energy to supply the demand equivalent to 180.000 Australian homes per year.

 

The project, which has generated 200 jobs, has the participation of global, Australian and Spanish suppliers such as Elecnor, Vestas, Longi or Sterling & Wilson and is contributing to the consolidation of a renewable industrial fabric in the country.