BHP Mitsubishi Alliance’s coal mines across the Bowen Basin are set to become the first BHP Australian operations to run under renewable power arrangements for 100 per cent of their electricity needs.

BMA has entered into a new seven-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with publicly-owned energy generator and retailer CleanCo.

Combined with another PPA signed last year, this is expected to allow BMA’s Queensland assets to have 100 per cent of their forecasted operational electricity demand supplied by renewable PPAs from 2027.

The agreement is underpinned by four projects – the Dulacca wind farm; the MacIntyre wind farm; the Western Downs Green Power Hub; and Kaban wind farm.

“This agreement is the culmination of years of work,” BMA asset president Adam Lancey said.

“I’m really proud that BMA is going to be the first of BHP’s Australian operations to be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy.

“This is good for BMA and good for Queensland. This agreement is underpinned by four projects which have supported more than 1500 construction jobs and are expected to create 37 jobs once operating, reinforcing our strong support for Queensland’s renewable electricity infrastructure build which is boosting regional and local communities.”

CleanCo chief executive officer Tom Metcalfe said the partnership with BMA was a testament to how collaborative efforts could drive economic growth and environmental sustainability.

“BMA’s commitment to 100 per cent renewable electricity highlights the vital role renewable projects like Dulacca wind farm on the Western Downs and Kaban wind farm in Far North Queensland play in local job creation and supporting regional communities,” he said.