Pacific Energy has hit its first major milestones in the 61MW renewables expansion of its power system at the Tropicana gold mine in Western Australia.
Tropicana is owned by AngloGold Ashanti Australia Ltd and Regis Resources Ltd.
Related article: Pacific Energy lands first NSW-based power deal with mine
Pacific Energy is integrating 24MW of wind power, 24MW of solar power, and a 13MW battery energy storage system (BESS) into the existing 54MW high-efficiency gas power station as a part of its10-year build-own-operate agreement with the mine’s owners.
When completed, the 115MW power station will be the largest hybrid investment in Pacific Energy’s portfolio, and the largest islanded hybrid power system in Australia.
Pacific Energy has marked its first significant project milestones, including completing construction of the wind turbine footings, delivery of wind turbine components to site, and Stage One energisation, which involved the energisation of two 33MVA transformers and switchroom.
The company is now focusing on its next critical milestones, including energisation of its BESS and solar farm in the coming weeks.
Pacific Energy’s industry-leading system will integrate its in-house designed intelligent control system to optimise input from the high penetration renewables and storage technologies, which will enable the system to run hydrocarbons-free for extended periods of time.
Related article: Zenith to build hybrid renewables project in WA
It is also expected to reduce Tropicana’s diesel and gas consumption for power generation by 96% and 50% respectively, slashing carbon emissions by an average of 65,000 tonnes per annum over the life of the agreement.
The project is due for completion in the first quarter of 2025.
