News

The switch has been flicked on a new solar/battery microgrid for CITIC Pacific Mining’s Fortescue River Accommodation Village and Roadhouse, located on the North West Coastal Highway, 110km south of Karratha.

Pilbara MP Kevin Michel MLA today opened the renewable energy project, which will slash carbon emissions and boost supply reliability for the precinct.

Until now, the 453-bed overflow camp for CPM’s Sino Iron magnetite project and roadhouse had relied on diesel generators.

Last year CPM appointed WA company GenOffGrid to construct a 396kWp solar PV/760kWh liquid-cooled battery energy storage system (BESS).

The new system will meet the daytime needs of the precinct, backed up by existing diesel generators. It’s estimated carbon emissions will be reduced by more than 36 per cent or 529 tonnes by displacing just under 200,000 litres of diesel annually.

CPM Chairman Chen (Sam) Sui said:

“This is a small but important step in our wider mission to make Sino Iron a green, intelligent mining operation. 

“The value-added concentrate we produce here in WA requires less energy to produce steel and is already contributing to lower overseas emissions.

“We see a great opportunity to further reduce local emissions by developing more projects such as this one.

“At the same time, as part of the WA Government’s Pilbara Energy Roundtable, we’re actively exploring opportunities to help underpin investment in broader regional renewable solutions.”

GenOffGrid Managing Director John Davidson said:

“GenOffGrid is proud to deliver this first microgrid project for CITIC Pacific Mining (CPM), marking an important milestone in decarbonisation of CPM’s operations and the beginning of a strong and ongoing collaboration.

“The Microgrid system has been successfully integrated with the existing diesel generators to optimise performance and significantly reduce overall fuel consumption. Despite challenging ground conditions that limited traditional micro piling, our team developed a cost-effective and innovative solution, leveraging high-efficiency power conversion systems and advanced battery technology.

“The flexibility of the microgrid ensures it can adapt to future energy needs, providing a scalable system for expansion as requirements evolve.

"We look forward to building on this success and continuing to support CPM in delivering sustainable and efficient energy solutions.”

CPM also recently partnered with Horizon Power to establish an EV charging station at Fortescue Roadhouse, on one of WA’s most important regional travel corridors. The fast-charging station is one of ten to be powered by renewable energy across Horizon’s WA EV Network.

Completion of the renewable energy microgrid and other remedial works align with CPM’s plans to reopen the roadhouse to the public later this year.

CPM has appointed a lease agent and the facility will be advertised shortly.

Video/images of the facility and today’s opening are available on request.