The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) is investing $99 million to boost Neoen’s Goyder wind farm along with the nearby Blyth Battery, which will provide electricity to BHP’s Olympic Dam copper mine in South Australia.
Related article: South Australian power prices down thanks to renewables
Located 550km north-northwest of Adelaide, Olympic Dam is one of the largest copper deposits in the world.
Once completed, the Neoen-owned wind farm will generate 203MW of electricity, and the battery will store 477MWh—enough to help meet half of Olympic Dam mine’s electricity needs with clean, cheap power.
Copper is critical for clean energy manufacturing, with copper being essential for making wind turbines, batteries, and solar panels. Increasingly, mining and resources companies are investing in firmed renewables to help power their operations with more affordable and clean power.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the project was important for the South Australian clean energy and resources sectors.
“It’s great to see clean energy powering mining—bringing together key national industrial strengths in renewables and resources, while creating jobs,” Minister Bowen said.
“The Albanese Government is excited to support a project that involves three vital things for Australia’s future—wind power, batteries, and strategic materials.”
Related article: Epic Energy to deliver new 220MWh battery in South Australia
Blyth Battery is the fifth big battery project financed by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, bringing its total investment in this technology to over $390 million.
