- Aggreko signs 15 year PPA with Harmony Gold for Eva Copper Mine in Queensland.
- Project to combine 118 MWp solar, 250 MWh battery storage and 104 MVA thermal capacity.
- Facility expected to set new benchmark for off grid mining power solutions.
Aggreko has secured a long term power purchase agreement with Harmony Gold to develop what is set to become Australia’s largest off grid renewable hybrid power facility for the Eva Copper Mine Project in north-west Queensland.
The agreement, which has a minimum duration of 15 years, will see Aggreko build, own and operate the power plant, delivering reliable and lower carbon electricity to support both construction and ongoing mining operations.
The project represents a significant step forward in hybrid energy deployment for the mining sector, integrating solar generation, battery energy storage and low emission thermal power into a single system designed for resilience and flexibility.
George Whyte, Managing Director for Aggreko in Australia Pacific, said the development marks a major milestone for both the company and the broader mining industry.
He noted that the scale of integration across solar, battery storage and thermal generation establishes a new standard for off grid energy systems while reinforcing Aggreko’s commitment to delivering commercially viable lower emission solutions.
The hybrid facility will include a 118 MWp solar farm, a 250 MWh battery energy storage system and a 104 MVA thermal power plant with capacity to scale. This configuration is expected to maximise renewable energy penetration, reduce fuel consumption and improve emissions performance over the life of the mine.
The project aligns with Aggreko’s sustainability targets, which include achieving net zero emissions from its operations by 2035 and reducing the emissions intensity of its energy solutions by 30% by 2030.
Beyond environmental benefits, the development is also expected to support regional economic growth. Construction activities will create employment opportunities and stimulate local supply chains in Cloncurry and Mount Isa.
Aggreko and Harmony Gold are also exploring opportunities to further increase renewable energy contribution over time, including the potential integration of wind power and future connection to transmission networks.
Once operational, the facility will provide a stable and scalable power supply, enabling the Eva Copper Mine to optimise renewable energy use while maintaining the reliability required for critical mining operations.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
