Northern Star (EGP) has lodged a proposal with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) of Western Australia for the construction and operation of a renewable energy generation hub near Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
The project, known as the Kalgoorlie Regional Renewable Energy Project, aims to power Northern Star’s large-scale Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines (KCGM) Operations with a combination of wind and solar energy complemented by battery storage.
This initiative forms part of Northern Star’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, cut emissions by 35 per cent by 2030, and address local grid constraints that have impacted power reliability in the region.
The proposal includes the installation of up to 32 wind turbines and a solar farm with a combined production capacity of 366 megawatts (MW).
A 300-megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS) will be integrated to provide effective energy balancing and storage for the mining operations, ensuring reliable power supply.
The electrical infrastructure includes a 132-kilovolt underground transmission line to connect the renewable energy hub with existing infrastructure at KCGM.
The entire development will occupy a 2,312-hectare area, with disturbance limited to 652 hectares of native vegetation.
Progressive rehabilitation of about 229 hectares is planned as part of the project’s environmental management commitment.
The site lies within the Marlinyu Ghoorlie Native Title Claim area, reflecting the need for respectful engagement with Indigenous stakeholders.
The project is currently open for public comment for seven days under Section 38 of the Environmental Protection Act.
Northern Star’s renewable energy initiative comes at a time when electricity demand from KCGM is expected to more than double with upgrades such as the Fimiston processing mill expansion and a move toward underground mining.
The company’s plan to shift away from diesel and gas power sources is motivated by the need to address grid limitations and the aging Parkeston gas power plant, which Northern Star co-owns.
The project will reduce dependence on the South-West Interconnected System operated by Western Power and is expected to save approximately five million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over its estimated four-decade operational life.
Construction of the renewable hub is anticipated to create around 300 jobs and provide increased power accessibility benefits to the Kalgoorlie-Boulder community.
This renewable development complements Northern Star’s broader $1.5 billion investment in KCGM, which includes a major mill expansion targeting 27 million tonnes processed per annum and an annual production goal of 900,000 ounces of gold by 2029.
The renewable energy project supports the company’s goal of securing a sustainable and cost-efficient energy supply while enhancing the operational readiness of the KCGM complex.
Northern Star has committed to extensive regional development benefits such as employment, community investment, and infrastructure support while addressing environmental concerns associated with mining activities.
The Kalgoorlie Regional Renewable Energy Project underscores Northern Star’s leadership in integrating sustainable practices within Australia’s gold mining sector, one of the world’s most significant gold-producing regions.
It reflects a growing trend of resource companies investing in onsite renewable energy solutions to reduce carbon footprints, improve energy security, and enable long-term operational resilience.
This project aligns with Western Australia’s broader renewable energy goals and the state government’s efforts to support clean energy infrastructure in the Goldfields Esperance region.
