Western Australian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Action The Hon. Reece Whitby officially opened the the Kathleen Valley Hybrid Power System, designed, funded, built, owned and operated by WA-based independent power producer Zenith Energy for Liontown Resources.
The integrated solar farm, wind farm, battery and firming LNG power plant enable the miner to operate with a minimum 60% emissions-free energy at its Goldfields hard rock lithium mine.
The largest operating off-grid power system in Australia, the 95MW Kathleen Valley Hybrid Power System incorporates the nation’s largest off-grid wind farm utilising the largest land-based wind turbines in the country.
Related article: Zenith to build hybrid renewables project in WA
The system showcases the ability of renewables to deliver reliable, continuous supply to support an entire mining operation.
Minister Whitby said the project was a great example of how industry is helping decarbonise Western Australia.
“By using renewable energy to power its lithium mining, Liontown Resources and Zenith
Energy are showcasing what WA’s future as a clean energy superpower will look like,” he said.
“This complements the Cook Labor Government’s $5.4 billion investment in transmission,
onshore wind, and battery storage, which is helping lower household and industry emissions.”
Zenith Energy CEO Hamish Moffat said, “Liontown set out with a clear goal from the start at Kathleen Valley—to operate with the lowest possible carbon footprint—and Zenith Energy is proud to be providing a market-leading solution and its strategic energy partner for this landmark project.
“Not only does the Kathleen Valley hybrid power system show the way forward as a world-class project, but it also demonstrates how decarbonisation of the mining sector can be achieved through joint effort and shared success.”
Today’s official opening at Kathleen Valley also celebrated another IPP first in Australia—a formal engagement agreement with Traditional Owners.
This Engagement Agreement between Zenith Energy and Native Title determined owners Tjiwarl Aboriginal Corporation, through its subsidiary Tjiwarl Contracting Services, was enabled by Liontown’s requirement for Traditional Owner involvement on all major contracts at Kathleen Valley.
A key outcome of the Engagement Agreement has been the formation of a Tjiwarl 80% majorityowned JV called Tjiwarl Katu Power, to, among other things, provide power-related services at Kathleen Valley and Zenith Energy’s other power stations on Tjiwarl Country.
Related article: Zenith Energy wins Independent Power Producer award
Tjiwarl director and Native Title holder Kado Muir said the immediate drive for the joint venture was to transition operations and maintenance activities at the power station to Tjiwarl Katu Power.
“To this end, Tjiwarl Katu Power is in the process of establishing its operational resources to start servicing the power station this year,” Muir said.
“This agreement with Tjiwarl people, supported by Liontown, is a leading case study for how Zenith Energy is paving the way for First Nations people to get involved in renewable energy transition projects with equity participation that leads to addressing socio-economic disadvantage.”
