MINING company Rio Tinto is set to make a significant investment in solar power and battery storage for its aluminium operations in Gladstone, a move that environmentalists have celebrated as a “major step” forward. The company has signed 20-year agreements with Edify Energy to purchase 90% of the power and energy storage capacity generated by the Smoky Creek and Guthrie’s Gap solar stations in central Queensland. Rio Tinto’s CEO, Kellie Parker, stated that the agreements will ensure affordable, reliable, and low-carbon energy for decades to come, as traditional energy sources become more expensive. The move is expected to reduce the facility’s direct emissions by 70%, equivalent to 5.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. Construction on the projects is set to begin in late 2025 and is expected to be completed by 2028, providing 600MW of solar power and 600MW/2,400MWh of battery storage. Rio Tinto will continue to explore further renewable energy investments to support its operations in Gladstone, which employs over 3,000 workers. The Edify Energy CEO, John Cole, praised the collaboration as a significant commitment towards a sustainable future for the country’s industrial sector.
Dr. Tessa Leach, a senior industry project manager at ClimateWorks Centre, hailed the announcement as a “major step” towards decarbonizing Gladstone’s heavy industry. She emphasized the importance of access to new wind, solar, and energy storage projects to support the region’s energy-intensive industries and position Gladstone as a hub for clean industry. The Smart Energy Council CEO, John Grimes, highlighted how quickly major mining companies are shifting towards renewable energy, reflecting the growing global demand for decarbonized metals. He emphasized that Australia’s most energy-intensive sectors are embracing renewables due to their reliability, cost-effectiveness, and cleaner nature compared to fossil fuel alternatives.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/13/rio-tintos-solar-power-and-battery-purchase-for-gladstone-aluminium-operations-praised-as-right-direction
