Introduction Renewable energy delivered a record third of Australia’s energy market in 2021. New, large-scale renewable energy projects added 2,955 MW in 2021, nearly 1 GW more than that added in 2020. According to Australia’s Clean Energy Council, as at the end of 2021, 68 large-scale projects – including 42 solar farms and two hybrid wind and solar projects – were under construction or financially committed. Collectively, this pipeline represents more than 9 GW of new capacity and over $18 billion of investment. “The acceleration of the renewable energy transition in 2021 shows that a future where Australia’s electricity costs less, is more reliable and has zero emissions is no longer a possibility, it is a certainty,” said Kane Thornton, Chief Executive, Clean Energy Council, earlier this month. Encouragingly, both the battery and hydrogen sectors are also taking forward strides. Specific to mining, renewables are getting a lot of love from the industry because they reduce reliance on fossil fuels and their volatile pricing. Not only does the switch to renewables reduce a mine’s carbon footprint, it also makes business sense by cutting operational costs. Geographically too, the harsh climatic conditions at remote mines are in fact a boon for renewable energy generation. The advantages of renewables are increasingly so compelling that remote mines are no longer considering “fuel-only” options for their energy needs. Unsurprisingly, renewable energy projects in Australian mining are growing in number and size. Here is a showcase of 19 projects and climate commitments announced by Australian mining companies in recent months. This is not a full picture of current activities as the pace of announcements and commitments by Australian mining companies has accelerated significantly over the last year. However, this offers a window into the exciting steps and ambitions mining companies are taking to decarbonise in Australia.
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ENERGY AND MINES MAGAZINE
