To operate its aluminum assets in Queensland, Rio Tinto needs an aggregate 1140MW of reliable power, which translates into 4,000 MW of renewable power with firming solutions. The mining major has floated a Request for Proposals (RFP) to develop wind and solar power projects that can satisfy this requirement by 2030.
The RFP covers the energy needs of Rio Tinto’s Boyne smelter, the Yarwun alumina refinery, and the Queensland Alumina refinery, all located in the Gladstone region of Queensland.
The step will help Rio Tinto meet its commitment to ultimately power aluminum smelters in Australia with renewable energy. The company will also make progress towards its targets to cut in half Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 2030 compared to 2018 levels, and to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
Further, in October 2021, Rio Tinto signed an agreement with the Queensland Government to support the development of renewable energy in Central Queensland.
“As Queensland’s largest energy user, we have an important role to play in driving the development of competitive renewable energy sources for our Gladstone assets and supporting the State’s renewable energy targets,” said Rio Tinto Aluminium Chief Executive Ivan Vella.
Source: Press Release (Rio Tinto)
Image of Yarwun Alumina Refinery: Rio Tinto