Aggreko has completed construction and commissioning of a new 4.4 MW solar farm using 5B Maverick PV panels, as well as two Aggreko Y.Cube battery energy storage systems (totalling to 2 MW/1 MWh) to supply renewable power to Northern Star Resources’ Porphyry gold mine under a long-term power purchase agreement.

The Porphyry project is part of Northern Star Resources’ Carosue Dam Operations.

The existing 5 MW diesel power station – owned and operated by Aggreko – has been connected and integrated with the new solar farm and BESS to create Aggreko’s second thermal renewable hybrid power station in Western Australia.

“The new solar array was commissioned in February 2024 and is set to produce about 7.4 GWh of renewable energy each year – saving 1.67 million litres of diesel fuel and 4,486 t of CO2e emissions annually,” Aggreko Managing Director Asia Pacific, George Whyte, said.

“We worked closely with 5B to supply a relocatable solar plant, which seamlessly integrates renewables with conventional power sources. This ensures a reliable and sustainable energy supply, while optimising cost effectiveness.”

Aggreko’s ESG strategy is underpinned by two goals:

• Net zero emissions from facilities and operations by 2035;
• A 30% reduction in the emissions intensity of energy solutions by 2030; and
• These environmental commitments sit alongside the company’s social and governance commitments: investing in its own skills and communities and being an ethical and transparent business.

Northern Star Resources’ Carosue Dam Operations General Manager, John Albrecht, said the solar PV power will help boost the operation’s financial and environmental footprint.

“The off-grid power solution implemented provides a reliable, and cost-effective solution that can be scaled up and down as needed throughout our mine’s operational life cycle,” he said.