Dugald River Solar Farm, Australia’s Largest Remote-Grid Solar Power Plant

Dugald River Solar Farm in north-west Queensland is a remote-grid renewable energy installation, delivering 88 MW of solar capacity into the mining sector. Officially opened in March 2024, the project was developed and is operated by APA Group. The project supplies low-carbon electricity to major offtakers including MMG’s for its Dugald River operations and others around Mount Isa and Mica Creek. Dugald River Solar Farm spans nearly 200 hectares and comprises of approximately 184,000 panels. It is also recognized as Australia’s largest remote-grid solar farm, integrating with local hybrid systems to displace gas-fired generation. It also serves to stabilize supply and cut emissions for mines that run 24/7.

Australia’s Largest Remote-Grid Solar Power Plant, Dugald River, Officially Opened

Reported March 26, 2024 – Dugald River Solar Farm, Australia’s largest remote-grid solar power plant has been opened officially.

The 88 MW power plant formerly known as the Mica Creek Solar Farm was officially opened by APA Group. APA is a leading Australian energy infrastructure business that owns and operates a $25 billion portfolio of gas, electricity, solar and wind assets.

It overtakes the 60 MW Chichester Solar Farm that provides energy for Fortescue Metals iron ore mines in Western Australia’s Pilbara region as the largest solar farm not located on either of the country’s two main grids. Fortescue has also deployed its first BESS in Pilbara’s North Star Junction in a planned 4-5 GWh project to continue decarbonizing its mining operations.

Dugald River Solar Farm Location, Capacity and Power Distribution

Australia’s largest remote-grid solar power plant sits on a 200-hectare site near APA’s Diamantina gas power station outside Mount Isa in northwest Queensland. This is one of the richest mining regions in the world. It is best known for its high-quality critical mineral deposits such as copper, zinc, vanadium, and phosphate. The power plant is made up of a total of 180,000 solar panels. The panels have a generation capacity of about 240 GWh of clean energy per annum.

Electricity generated by the Dugald River Solar Farm will be connected to the grid through a 1,100 km overhead transmission line. It will supply major mining groups in the region including, Mount Isa Mines, New Century and MMG Limited. This is through long-term solar off-take agreements with the companies.

Mount Isa Mines Limited is an Australian company that operates copper, lead, zinc and silver mines in Queensland. It is part of the Glencore group of companies. New Century Resources Limited is a company that operates as a base metal development and production company. It operates in Australia and the United States.

Lastly, MMG Limited is a mid-tier global resources company that mines explores and develops base metal projects around the world. Reportedly, MMG has a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) for half of the Dugald River Solar Farm’s capacity.

Model for the Australian Resources Sector to Decarbonize

Speaking on the project, APA Operations Executive Petrea Bradford said that the new solar farm provides a model for the Australian resources sector. This is especially so with the aim of decarbonization and net-zero targets.

Dr Tim Akroyd, general manager of MMG’s Dugald River zinc mining operation also commented on the project. He said that there are strong aspirations to decarbonize mining operations and to continue to reduce its carbon footprint. In addition, the MMGs GM said that the introduction of renewable energy provides both environmental and economic benefits. The GM also noted that they are already seeing the cost savings from the solar farm which is a welcome reprieve.

“Our medium-term goal is to have three-quarters of our power coming from renewable energy sources. This will deliver further cost savings to our site and also reduce our environmental footprint for our local community,” explained Tim Akroyd. Tim also added that MMG is currently investigating the feasibility of building a wind farm at Dugald River. This is planned to complement the new solar facility.