Rio Tinto advances Australia’s largest solar farm development  

Global mining Rio Tinto has entered a power purchase understanding with European Energy Australia, expecting to drive the improvement of Australia’s biggest solar power project, the 1.1GW Upper Calliope Sun Farm, situated close to Gladstone. 

This initiative aligns with Rio Tinto’s obligation to split its global Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions before this decade’s over, the ASX-recorded organisation. 

The Upper Calliope Solar Farm is ready to assume an urgent part in Rio Tinto’s more extensive system to repower its three Gladstone creation resources: the Boyne aluminium smelter, the Yarwun alumina processing plant, and the Queensland Alumina refinery. 

The project can significantly help Rio Tinto achieve its climate goals if combined with additional renewable power sources, appropriate firming, transmission infrastructure, and industrial policy. 

When endorsed and built, the Upper Calliope Solar Farm Ranch is supposed to lessen Rio Tinto’s working carbon emissions byproducts by 1.8 million tons annually. 

“This agreement is the first important step in our work to repower our Gladstone operations and illustrates our commitment to keeping sustainably powered industry in Central Queensland,” said Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm, Rio Tinto. 

The European Energy CEO Erik Andersen highlighted the partnership’s commitment to providing renewable and reliable energy, aligning with Rio Tinto’s ambitious climate goals. 

Construction is targeted to commence in 2025 or 2026, with the project providing approximately five per cent of Queensland’s current electricity demand upon completion.