Key Takeaways
1. Fortescue is pursuing a strategy to reduce its environmental impact by developing a wind farm that will generate 2.1 GW, the largest in Australia.
2. The planned wind farm will include up to 200 turbines, potentially reducing emissions by 1.5 million tonnes, or nearly 70%, helping the company aim for zero emissions by 2030.
3. Fortescue currently uses green energy for its operations, including 60 MW and an upcoming 190 MW solar farm, and is transitioning to electric machinery in a $4 billion deal.
4. Wind energy was chosen over solar due to land requirements and the ability to generate power at night and in cloudy conditions.
5. The project is expected to receive approval in late 2026, with commissioning planned for 2029, utilizing Nabrawind’s self-erecting towers.
Australian miner Fortescue has initiated a strategy to further lessen the environmental footprint of its operations. The company has sought permission for a wind farm that will produce 2.1 GW, marking it as the largest of its type in Australia.
Major Emission Reductions
Fortescue plans to erect as many as 200 wind turbines, which could lead to a reduction in emissions by 1.5 million tonnes, equating to nearly 70 percent. This effort brings the company closer to its target of achieving zero emissions by 2030. The wind farm will span 2,318 hectares and will be located near its Iron Bridge mine close to Marble Bar in Western Australia.
Renewable Energy Investments
Currently, Fortescue already powers its mining operations with green energy. It draws energy from 60 MW solar farms situated in Chichester and is set to connect to an additional 190 MW solar farm in Cloudbreak soon. The company is also making strides in sustainability by replacing diesel-operated machinery like bulldozers, excavators, and hauling trucks with electric alternatives, in a deal valued at $4 billion.
Wind Over Solar
Wind energy was selected as the preferred option since solar would necessitate a larger land area. The firm also noted that wind turbines can generate energy at night and during cloudy weather. The capacity of the farm might increase, depending on how efficient the turbines turn out to be.
Fortescue is likely to employ Nabrawind’s Nabralift self-erecting towers for the setup; interestingly, the mining company has invested in Nabrawind. The approval for the project is anticipated to be given in late 2026, with the commissioning scheduled for 2029.
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