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Bellevue Gold

Bellevue Gold

The project includes 27 MW of solar, 24 MW of wind, and a 15 MW/33 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), enabling "Engine Off" operation. This setup allows the project to run entirely on renewable energy during favorable conditions, meeting approximately 80% of its energy needs through renewables.

Project Background

The Bellevue Gold Project is a large-scale gold mining operation in Western Australia, aiming to lead the sector in decarbonization. The project includes a hybrid power station that integrates renewable energy sources alongside traditional thermal generation to achieve significant reductions in carbon emissions.

Renewable Integration

The project includes 27 MW of solar, 24 MW of wind, and a 15 MW/33 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), enabling “Engine Off” operation. This setup allows the project to run entirely on renewable energy during favorable conditions, meeting approximately 80% of its energy needs through renewables.

How Zenith is Leading the Sector

Zenith Energy is setting the standard by constructing a 90 MW hybrid power station that combines solar, wind, and battery energy storage with thermal generation. Their innovative approach supports Bellevue’s goal of becoming Australia’s first carbon-neutral gold producer. The collaboration with Tjiwarl Contracting Services also highlights Zenith’s commitment to Indigenous engagement.

Installed capacity

  • Thermal: Gas – 15MW, Diesel 9MW, Total 24MW
  • LNG Storage and Regasification Facility
  • Solar: 27 MW
  • Wind: 24MW, Consisting of 4 x 6MW Goldwind Turbines with a rotor Diameter of 165M, and a total height of 212M.
  • BESS: Battery Energy Storage System of 15 MW/33 MWh
  • Synchronous condensers: 1 x 5MVAr Syncron.
  • ‘Engine Off’ enabled – the ability to operate on 100% renewable energy when conditions allow.

Renewable energy fraction

The goal is for approximately 80% of the project’s energy needs to be met by renewable energy.

Commercial operation date (COD)

May 2024.

Contract term

Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for an initial term of 15 years.

Client’s decarbonisation objective

To significantly reduce carbon emissions by primarily operating on renewable energy. Bellevue aims to become Australia’s first carbon-neutral gold producer by utilising high levels of renewable energy and synchronising milling activities with renewable energy availability.

Additional information

Zenith Energy and Bellevue Gold have partnered to establish an innovative 90 MW hybrid power station for the Bellevue Gold Project. The hybrid power station will consist of wind and solar generation, thermal generation, and battery storage, enabling the project to operate on 100% renewable energy during periods of high renewable generation. This partnership also advances the Tjiwarl Katu Power Joint Venture between Zenith Energy and Tjiwarl Contracting Services, which represents the Tjiwarl Aboriginal Corporation, the traditional owners of the land where the Bellevue Gold Project is located.

Project name
Bellevue Gold
Location

Western Australia, Australia

Client
Bellevue Gold
Capacity
90 MW hybrid power station that combines solar, wind, and battery energy storage with thermal generation.
Fuel source
BESS, Gas, Hybrid Renewable, Solar PV, Wind
CONTRACT

15-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

COMMENCEMENT

Commercial operation date (COD) May 2024