"A large-scale industrial energy solution integrating multiple technologies into a single system."
— George Whyte, Aggreko Asia Pacific managing director
Energy company Aggreko has signed a 15-year deal with mining firm Harmony to build a hybrid power facility at the proposed Eva Copper Mine in Queensland’s North West Minerals Province. The off-grid plant will combine solar, battery storage, and thermal generation to supply 72 megawatts of firm power to the mine, which has no access to the National Electricity Market.
Key Details
- Size: The facility will span more than 200 hectares, comparable to 53 Melbourne Cricket Grounds.
- Timeline: First electricity generation is expected within one year, with full production from mid-2028.
- Capacity: At full output, the plant could power up to 40,000 homes.
- Operations: Solar energy will be prioritized during the day, with battery storage stabilizing supply. Excess solar will be used in the evening.
- Goal: The plant aims to reduce reliance on diesel and lower emissions.
Background
The North West Minerals Province relies heavily on diesel, natural gas, and solar for mining operations due to the absence of a grid connection. The proposed CopperString high-voltage transmission line — stretching 1,100 km from Townsville to Mount Isa — has faced repeated delays and cost blowouts. Originally estimated at $1 billion, the project now carries a price tag of nearly $14 billion, with completion pushed back to 2031.
Statements
Harmony chief development officer Johannes Van Heerden called the off-grid plant a "practical interim solution" that ensures stable energy supply and significantly reduces diesel dependence.
Robbie Katter, state MP for Traeger, was sharply critical, describing the need for the off-grid plant as "embarrassing" and attributing it to state government failures to deliver the CopperString transmission line.