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Case Studies

Mt Weld

Mt Weld

The project integrates 7 MW of solar, 24 MW of wind, and a 12 MW/12 MWh BESS, enabling "Engine Off" capabilities. The goal is to cover up to 70% of the project's energy needs with renewable energy by 2026, reducing its reliance on diesel and lowering emissions.

Project Background

The Mt Weld Project, operated by Lynas Rare Earths, is a significant rare earths mining operation in Western Australia. The project is transitioning from diesel to a hybrid gas and renewable energy solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower power costs.

Renewable Integration

The project integrates 7 MW of solar, 24 MW of wind, and a 12 MW/12 MWh BESS, enabling “Engine Off” capabilities. The goal is to cover up to 70% of the project’s energy needs with renewable energy by 2026, reducing its reliance on diesel and lowering emissions.

How Zenith is Leading the Sector

Zenith Energy is spearheading the renewable transition at Mt Weld with a 65 MW hybrid power station, featuring wind, solar, and battery storage. By overseeing the design, construction, and operation of this station, Zenith is solidifying its position as a leader in renewable energy solutions within the mining sector, with over 100 MW of contracted wind capacity.

Installed capacity

  • Thermal: 17 MW high-efficiency gas-fired power plant, plus 5 MW of backup diesel generation
  • Solar: 7 MW
  • Wind: 24MW, Consisting of 4 x 6MW Goldwind Turbines with a rotor Diameter of 165M, and a total height of 212M.
  • BESS: 12 MW/12 MWh Battery Energy Storage System
  • Synchronous condensers: 2 x 5MVAr Syncon.
  • ‘Engine Off’ enabled – the ability to operate on 100% renewable energy when conditions allow.
  • Renewable energy fraction: The goal is for approximately 70% of the project’s energy needs to be met by renewable energy.

Commercial operation date (COD)

  • Diesel Powerstation is already complete
  • Gas Powerstation is scheduled for Q1 CY2025.
  • Solar and BESS is scheduled for Q3 CY2025.
  • The wind farm is scheduled to commence commercial operations in Q1 2026.

Contract term

The Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is for a 15-year term, starting from the commercial operation of the wind farm.

Client’s decarbonisation objective

Lynas Rare Earths is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning from diesel to a gas-fired hybrid renewable power station. The decommissioning of the existing diesel power plant will occur once the gas-fired station is operational. This transition aligns with Lynas’ goal of lowering emissions while also reducing the cost of power compared to a thermal-only solution.

Additional information

Zenith Energy is responsible for the design, construction, ownership, operation, and maintenance of the Mt Weld Hybrid Power Station, which will have a total installed capacity of 65 MW upon completion. Early construction works began in 2023 under Preliminary and Early Works Agreements with Lynas. This collaboration with Lynas further solidifies Zenith Energy’s leadership in the renewable energy transition within the mining sector, with contracted wind capacity now exceeding 100 MW.

Project name
Mt Weld
Location

Mt Weld, Western Australia, Australia

Client
Lynas Rare Earths
Capacity
65 MW (Hybrid System: 17 MW Gas, 5 MW Diesel, 7 MW Solar, 24 MW Wind, 12 MW/12 MWh BESS)
Fuel source
BESS, Gas, Hybrid Renewable, Solar PV, Wind
CONTRACT

15-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

COMMENCEMENT

Gas power station scheduled for Q1 2025, solar and BESS in Q3 2025, wind farm in Q1 2026

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Case Studies

Kathleen Valley

Kathleen Valley

The project features 17 MW of solar, 30 MW of wind, and a 17 MW/20 MWh BESS, which enable "Engine Off" capabilities. The hybrid system is designed to meet up to 80% of the project's energy needs through renewable energy in the near future, significantly reducing the mine's carbon footprint.

Project Background

The Kathleen Valley Project is a lithium mining operation led by Liontown Resources. The project focuses on integrating a hybrid power solution that maximises renewable energy usage to support the energy-intensive mining process, reflecting Liontown’s commitment to sustainability.

Renewable Integration

The project features 17 MW of solar, 30 MW of wind, and a 17 MW/20 MWh BESS, which enable “Engine Off” capabilities. The hybrid system is designed to meet up to 80% of the project’s energy needs through renewable energy in the near future, significantly reducing the mine’s carbon footprint.

How Zenith is Leading the Sector

Zenith Energy has developed Australia’s largest operating off-grid hybrid power system for this project, combining renewable energy sources with thermal generation. This solution not only demonstrates Zenith’s leadership in integrating renewables in remote mining operations but also aligns with Australia’s energy transition goals.

Installed capacity

  • Thermal: Gas – 27MW, Diesel 5MW, Total 32MW
  • LNG Storage and Regasification Facility
  • Solar: 17 MW
  • Wind: 30MW, Consisting of 5 x 6MW Goldwind Turbines with a rotor Diameter of 165M, and a total height of 212M.
  • BESS: Battery Energy Storage System of 17MW/20 MWh
  • Synchronous condensers: 3 x 2.8MVAr Syncons.
  • ‘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)

The hybrid power plant was officially inaugurated on 9th October 2024 but has been operating since early 2024.

Contract term

Long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) 15 years.

Client’s decarbonisation objective

Liontown Resources aims to minimise its carbon footprint by using renewable energy in its mining operations.

Additional information

The Kathleen Valley Project, integrates a hybrid power solution that is the largest operating off-grid hybrid power system in Australia. It includes solar, wind, and battery energy storage alongside thermal generation. This solution supports Liontown Resources’ commitment to sustainability and its goal of reducing carbon emissions in line with Australia’s energy transition efforts.

Project name
Kathleen Valley
Location

Kathleen Valley, Western Australia, Australia

Client
Liontown Resources
Capacity
79 MW (Hybrid System: 27 MW Gas, 5 MW Diesel, 17 MW Solar, 30 MW Wind, 17 MW/20 MWh BESS)
Fuel source
BESS, Gas, Hybrid Renewable, Solar PV, Wind
CONTRACT

15-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

COMMENCEMENT

Inaugurated on 9th October 2024, operational since early 2024

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Case Studies

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

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Case Studies

Jundee

Jundee

Northern Star Resources’ Jundee mine is an underground mining operation located in the Northern Goldfields region of Western Australia approximately 45 kms north-east of Wiluna and approximately 520 kms north of Kalgoorlie.

Project Background

Northern Star Resources’ Jundee mine is an underground mining operation located in the Northern Goldfields region of Western Australia approximately 45 kms north-east of Wiluna and approximately 520 kms north of Kalgoorlie.

Northern Star Resources is an ASX listed, global–scale Australian gold producer with world class projects within Australia and North America. The company owns and operates three world class gold production centres in Kalgoorlie, Yandal and Pogo (Jundee, 2022).

Zenith commenced work on the power station in 2016.

Renewable Integration

The project incorporates 17 MW of solar, 24 MW of wind, a 12 MW/12 MWh BESS and 46.6 MW of gas fuelled generators. This hybrid system is expected to meet 56% of the project’s energy needs through renewable sources, significantly cutting emissions.

How Zenith is Leading the Sector

Zenith Energy’s renewable energy Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Northern Star Resources at Jundee supports the transition to a lower-carbon energy system. Zenith’s innovative renewable energy retrofit has positioned the company as a key player in reducing carbon intensity across the mining sector, further advancing their net-zero milestones.

Installed capacity

  • Thermal: 46.6 MW
  • Solar:17 MW
  • Wind: 24MW, Consisting of 4 x 6MW Goldwind Turbines with a rotor Diameter of 165M, and a total height of 212M.
  • BESS: 12 MW/12 MWh Battery Energy Storage System
  • Synchronous condensers: No Syncons Installed
  • Renewable energy fraction: The goal is for approximately 55% of the project’s energy needs to be met by renewable energy.

Commercial operation date (COD)

The Original Jundee power station began operations in 2016, with the first hybrid components commissioned in early 2024.

Contract term

Long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) under a Build, Own, operate (BOO) model, recently extended until 2039.

Client’s decarbonisation objective

Northern Star Resources aims to significantly reduce its carbon emissions by incorporating renewable energy sources into the Jundee mine operation. With the addition of wind, solar, and battery storage, the Jundee site will cover 56% of its energy needs with renewable sources. This aligns with Zenith Energy’s goal to reduce its carbon intensity by 20% by 2025, from a 2020 baseline, which includes scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.

Additional information

Zenith Energy has signed a renewable energy Power Purchase Agreement with Northern Star Resources for the Jundee operation. This PPA will support Zenith Energy’s interim net zero milestones and strengthen its relationship with Northern Star, with the renewable energy retrofit expected to significantly cut carbon emissions and increase the use of renewables at the mine.

PROJECT NAME
Jundee
LOCATION

Northern Goldfields, WA

CLIENT
NSR
CAPACITY
99.6 MW
ENERGY SOURCE
BESS, Diesel, Gas, Solar PV, Wind