BMA reaches renewable energy milestone through CleanCo partnership
The milestone follows commencement of BHP Mitsubishi Alliance’s (BMA) most recent PPA with Queensland’s publicly owned energy generator and retailer, CleanCo, bringing together renewable energy sources including wind, solar and pumped hydro to back BMA’s electricity use.
The achievement represents a significant step forward in how BMA powers its operations and demonstrates how lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions mining can be delivered at scale.
The agreement marks actionable progress in decarbonising BMA’s operations and supports BHP’s broader target to reduce operational GHG emissions (Scopes 1 and 2 emissions from its operated assets) by at least 30 per cent by FY2030 from FY2020 levels.
BHP’s long-term goal is to achieve net zero operational GHG emissions by CY2050. Today, 80 per cent of BHP’s electricity use at its operated assets globally is sourced from renewables.[2] This represents real progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly over the past five years.
The partnership with CleanCo is supporting the development of renewable energy projects across regional Queensland, contributing to job creation and long-term economic growth.
BMA Asset President, Adam Lancey said: “BMA has long helped power Queensland’s economy. From today, the electricity behind our operations is backed by renewable power arrangements.”
“This is a great outcome for BMA, but more importantly, it’s a great outcome for jobs and long-term economic growth in regional Queensland.”
“There’s more to do, but we’re making real progress in decarbonising BMA’s operations and supporting BHP reach its group-level operational greenhouse gas emissions reduction target.”
CleanCo CEO, Tom Metcalfe said: “CleanCo is helping major industrial customers like BMA progress their operational emissions reduction ambitions while continuing to power Queensland’s economy.”
“Long-term partnerships provide the essential commitment needed to fund new energy projects, while also creating regional jobs and prosperity.”
“This is the Queensland Energy Roadmap in action – government-owned energy businesses working with industry and private investment to deliver reliable, affordable and sustainable energy for Queensland.”
The milestone is supported by renewable energy projects including the MacIntyre Wind Farm, located south-west of Warwick, one of Queensland’s largest renewable energy developments.
The project highlights the scale and impact of partnerships like BMA’s with CleanCo in enabling new energy infrastructure.