Located 23 kilometres west of Leinster, the 56 MW microgrid, owned and operated by EDL, will power Gold Fields’ Agnew Gold Mine with an average 50 to 60% renewable energy. On a good day, with favourable weather conditions, the microgrid will be able to achieve 85%.
Australia’s largest hybrid renewable microgrid, and the first in the country to power a mine predominantly with wind-generated electricity, will provide the mine with 99.99% reliability.
It features five 110-metre wind turbines, each with a 140-metre rotor diameter, delivering 18 MW of power; a 10,710 panel solar farm generating 4 MW; an off-grid 21 MW gas/diesel engine power plant; and an advanced microgrid control system.
“Congratulations to Gold Fields and EDL on the completion of their award-winning project,” Johnston said.
“The partnership was recognised for its innovation and environmental excellence at Agnew, winning this year’s prestigious Golden Gecko Award.
“It’s a pleasure to be here today, visiting Australia’s first mine site to combine wind and solar power generation.
“The McGowan Government is supportive of mining and resources companies that are leading by example and embracing renewable energy solutions.
“This all contributes to our target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.”
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