BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) has entered into a new renewable power purchase agreement (PPA) with Queensland’s publicly owned energy generator and retailer CleanCo.

It’s expected to provide half the forecasted electricity demand of BMA’s Central Queensland operations over five years from January 2026.

Main image: Dulacca Wind Farm under construction

The new PPA will run to the end of 2030 and effectively extend an existing low carbon emission power agreement between BMA and CleanCo currently running to the end of 2025.

This second PPA will enable BMA to continue to source half of its expected electricity needs from low greenhouse gas emission sources such as solar and wind, as well as pumped hydro.

They are increasing renewable electricity at BMA in line with our decarbonisation commitments to 2030 and beyond, improving the long-term sustainability of the business while at the same time supporting Queensland’s renewable electricity infrastructure build, regional communities and local jobs, said BHP President Australia, Geraldine Slattery.

“We expect demand for Queensland’s higher-quality metallurgical coal to remain strong for many years to come, as major steelmakers look to reduce their emissions intensity while delivering the steel needed to support global population growth and decarbonisation infrastructure,” said Ms Slattery.

Using more renewable electricity at their operated assets across the globe is key to our operational decarbonisation strategy, said BHP Chief Commercial Officer, Vandita Pant.

“We are pleased to continue our strong relationship with CleanCo,” said Mr Plant.

“Through a growing number of agreements to supply our mines in Chile, Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia with renewable electricity, we are making good progress on decarbonisation while supporting the development of renewable infrastructure and stimulating regional economies.”

The new PPA will help support four renewable electricity projects across regional Queensland, which combined are expected to generate more than 1500 local jobs during construction.

They include the Dulacca Wind Farm due for completion in late 2023, the MacIntyre Wind Farm due for completion in 2025, and the Western Downs Green Power Hub and Kaban Wind Farm that currently supply electricity to the grid and are expected to reach full commercial operation later this year.

The PPA is also linked to CleanCo’s new renewable energy storage initiative, which directs excess renewables to the Wivenhoe Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Power Station to support an increase in around-the-clock renewable supply and cost management.

BHP is on track to achieve its medium-term target to reduce operational greenhouse gas emissions by at least 30 percent by FY2030 (from FY2020 levels). BHP also has a long-term goal to achieve net zero operational greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.