MIM signs up for Mica Creek solar power

APA Group has committed to build the first two stages of its Mica Creek Solar Farm, boosting its spend to about $150 million, after Mount Isa Mines signed up for the renewable energy supply. It follows APA’s announcement in November 2021 of a 15-year solar offtake agreement with MMG Dugald River to supply the initial 44 megawatts from stage one. The subsequent 15-year deal with Mount Isa Mines has sparked a Final Investment Decision (FID) to build stage two, with the 88MW facility to be operational by mid 2023. APA chief executive officer and managing director Rob Wheals said he was pleased to be able to continue to provide APA’s customers with energy solutions that supported the North West Minerals Province. “This investment will support APA’s vision for a world-leading hybrid energy grid in Mount Isa and our aspiration to support the further increase of renewable energy penetration for the region," he said. “We now have two major APA customers supporting both stages of the 88 megawatt Mica Creek Solar Farm with agreements to supply renewable electricity to their Mount Isa operations, demonstrating the enthusiasm of customers in the region for integrated energy solutions that can both meet their energy needs and help reduce their operational emissions. “With supply of renewable energy for the two initial stages now under contract, APA is investigating a potential expansion for a third stage, following strong interest from customers." Related: APA commits to $290m gas expansion project Deputy Premier Steven Miles said the speed of the expansion, with APA having only just announced stage one last month, demonstrated the demand from business and industry for renewable energy. “APA has a long-term, 32-year-lease with the Queensland Government for a 198ha site in the North West Minerals Province for stage 1 and stage 2 of the solar farm,” Mr Miles said. “This project will also provide a boost to employment and the local economy, employing around 300 people during peak construction." The solar farm will be located about 8km south of Mount Isa, with a transmission connection extending north-west forabout 2.2 km to the Diamantina Power Station. APA said it would also continue to support MIM's energy needs with the provision of firming gas power from its Diamantina Power Station complex. The Mount Isa region has also attracted the $600 million 50MW North West Queensland Hybrid Power Project (NWQHPP). Vast Solar and Stanwell Corporation are behind the plan, which will use concentrated solar thermal power (CSP) technology based on mirrors. This will be integrated with a solar PV system, a large-scale battery and gas engines.

MIM signs up for Mica Creek solar power

Industry Queensland

Related News

State advances new mining safety legislation

Thiess clocks up 90 years of operations

Nanogenerator consumes CO2 for sustainable power

Get access to breaking mining news, now.