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🇦🇺 Australia /Energy & Infrastructure

Need for mine's hybrid power plant 'embarrassing', says outback MP

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A global energy company is building Australia's largest off-grid renewable power plant for a copper mine in Queensland.
  • The 72-megawatt hybrid facility will integrate solar, battery storage, and thermal generation.
  • A local MP criticized the necessity of such a large, independent power project as "embarrassing" for the state.

A major copper mine in Queensland, Australia, will soon be powered by the nation's largest off-grid renewable energy facility. Energy firm Aggreko is constructing the hybrid power plant for the proposed Eva Copper Mine, located in a region disconnected from the national electricity grid.

It's a large-scale industrial energy solution, which is really designed specifically to support modern mining operations in such a remote location.

— George WhyteAggreko Asia Pacific managing director, describing the hybrid power plant.

The 15-year deal involves a facility covering over 200 hectares, integrating solar panels, battery storage, and thermal generation. Designed to deliver 72 megawatts of firm power, it is expected to generate its first electricity within the next year and, at full capacity, could power up to 40,000 homes. This large-scale industrial solution is specifically tailored to support modern mining operations in remote areas.

It's certainly one of the most advanced hybrid off-grid mining projects, particularly how it integrates these multiple technologies into a single system.

— George WhyteAggreko Asia Pacific managing director, on the plant's technological integration.

The plant's operation will prioritize solar energy during the day, with batteries storing excess power to ensure a stable energy flow into the evening. Aggreko Asia Pacific managing director George Whyte described it as "one of the most advanced hybrid off-grid mining projects," highlighting its integration of multiple technologies.

I do think this is a good example of someone taking control of their own energy, going off-grid and providing that security of supply.

— George WhyteAggreko Asia Pacific managing director, on the benefits of self-sufficient energy.

However, the need for such a substantial, self-sufficient power source drew criticism from local Member of Parliament Robbie Katter. He called the situation "embarrassing" for Queensland, suggesting it reflects a failure in state government infrastructure planning. The Eva Copper Project, green-lit by Harmony Gold, is set to begin production and power generation by mid-2028.

embarrassing

— Robbie KatterState Member of Parliament, describing the need for the independent power project.
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Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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