APA Group has officially launched the Dugald River Solar Farm (DRSF) — Australia’s largest remote grid solar farm — supporting MMG, Mount Isa Mines, and New Century with solar energy backed by gas from APA’s nearby Diamantina Power Station.
APA Group Executive of Operations Petrea Bradford emphasised the significance of the new infrastructure, stating: “APA has invested more than $1 billion in energy assets in the North West Minerals Province, and we are proud of our role in the local community as we continue to work to deliver safe, reliable, and affordable energy to the region.”
The solar farm, covering an area 65 times the size of the Gabba playing surface in Brisbane, aligns with APA’s goal to reduce the operational emissions intensity of its power generation infrastructure.
Bradford added: “Dugald River Solar Farm is Australia’s largest remote-grid solar farm by megawatt capacity and its 184,000 panels cover an area 65 times the size of the Gabba playing surface in Brisbane.”
Dugald River General Manager Tim Akroyd expressed the mine’s commitment to decarbonisation and sustainability, noting: “The introduction of renewable energy provides both environmental and economic benefits as a 24/7 operation in a remote location.”
Akroyd highlighted the solar farm’s cost-saving impact amidst rising mining costs, stating: “We are already seeing the cost savings from the solar farm which is a welcome reprieve as the cost of mining continues to rise, making for more challenging economic conditions.”
The 88MW solar farm at Mica Creek in Mount Isa is owned and operated by APA Group, under a long-term solar offtake agreement.
Since it commenced operation in April last year, the solar farm has reduced energy-related emissions at the Dugald River mine by approximately 33 per cent.
APA Group is focused on decarbonising mining operations, aiming for three-quarters of its power to come from renewable energy sources in the medium term.
The company is also exploring the addition of wind power at Dugald River, with ongoing investigations into the feasibility of a wind farm at the site.
