Rio Tinto and Edify Energy have signed two new agreements to boost reliable and affordable electricity for Rio Tinto’s Gladstone aluminium operations in Queensland. As part of these agreements, Rio Tinto will buy 90% of the power and battery storage from the Smoky Creek and Guthrie’s Gap Solar Power Stations for the next 20 years. Edify Energy will build, own, and operate the two projects, with construction starting in late 2025 and completion expected by 2028. Located in Central Queensland, these solar power stations will produce 600 MW of solar energy and offer 600MW / 2,400MWh of battery storage.
Rio Tinto Chief Executive, Australia, Kellie Parker, said in a statement, “These agreements are integral to repowering our Gladstone aluminium operations with affordable, reliable and lower carbon energy for decades to come. For the first time, we have integrated crucial battery storage in our efforts to make the Boyne aluminium smelter globally cost-competitive, as traditional energy sources become more expensive. We continue to investigate further renewable energy investments to repower our Gladstone aluminium operations.”
These new agreements add to the 2.2GW of renewable energy deals Rio Tinto announced earlier in 2024 for its Gladstone operations, bringing the total future wind and solar energy supply in Queensland to 2.7GW. Combined, these projects will meet 80% of Boyne smelter’s annual electricity needs, cutting its carbon emissions by 70% or 5.6 million tonnes per year — equal to taking about 2 million cars off the road.
Edify Energy’s Chief Executive, John Cole, highlighted the significance of the new services agreement, saying it will help deliver clean, reliable, and affordable electricity to consumers. He stated, “The Smoky Creek & Guthrie’s Gap Solar Power Stations deliver the latest in solar, battery and inverter technology to support Australia’s power needs. This collaboration is an important commitment to supporting the sustainable future of Australia’s industrial sector. We are proud to advance Rio Tinto’s goals to repower its Gladstone operations and to play a role in the transition to a low-carbon economy.”
Rio Tinto’s share of the battery storage from these projects is 2,160MWh. This will cover about 30% of the energy needed to keep the Boyne smelter running smoothly with renewable power, ensuring stability during peak demand or when solar energy is low. Rio Tinto’s aluminium operations are a major economic force in Queensland, directly employing over 4,500 people and supporting many more jobs. In Gladstone alone, more than 3,000 jobs are linked to these operations, with 1,000 at the Boyne smelter. The company’s key facilities in the region include the Boyne aluminium smelter, the Yarwun alumina refinery, and the Queensland alumina refinery.
