The developer of what is being described as the largest wind, solar and battery hybrid project of its type in Australia has begun the first regulatory steps to gain a licence to sell power to one of the country’s biggest open pit gold mines.
Zenith Energy, which has emerged as a specialist in off-grid renewable hybrid systems that has nearly eliminated diesel use in some mines, is proposing to build a much larger hybrid system for the Kalgoorlie Super Pit joint ventures that will deliver around 70 per cent share of renewables.
The system will combine 256 megawatts (MW) of wind capacity, 110 MW (ac) of solar capacity, and 138 MW and 300 MWh of battery storage.
The 8 MW Goldwind turbines will trump the 7.8 MW turbines currently being installed at Fortescue’s Nullagine wind project and Neoen’s Narrogin in wind project – both also in Western Australia – as the most powerful in the country.
The Eastern Goldfields Power Project is being built for North Star Resources and its joint venture partners in the Kalgoorlie super pit gold mining operations and related ventures. It will remain connected to the main grid, but will mostly supply the mining operation.
