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.
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.
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.
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.
The Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is for a 15-year term, starting from the commercial operation of the wind farm.
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.
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.
Mt Weld
Mt Weld, Western Australia, Australia
Lynas Rare Earths
65MW
15-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
Gas power station scheduled for Q1 2025, solar and BESS in Q3 2025, wind farm in Q1 2026
65MW
Client: Lynas Rare Earths • Capacity: 65MW
90.1 MW
Client: Bellevue Gold • Capacity: 90.1 MW hybrid power station that combines solar, wind, and battery energy storage with thermal generation.
15.4 MW
Client: Gascoyne Resources Ltd • Capacity: 15.4 MW gas fired power station
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.
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.
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.
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.
The goal is for approximately 80% of the project’s energy needs to be met by renewable energy.
The hybrid power plant was officially inaugurated on 9th October 2024 but has been operating since early 2024.
Long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) 15 years.
Liontown Resources aims to minimise its carbon footprint by using renewable energy in its mining operations.
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.
Kathleen Valley
Kathleen Valley, Western Australia, Australia
Liontown Resources
95.7 MW (Hybrid System: 27 MW Gas, 5 MW Diesel, 17 MW Solar, 30 MW Wind, 17 MW/20 MWh BESS)
15-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
Inaugurated on 9th October 2024, operational since early 2024
65MW
Client: Lynas Rare Earths • Capacity: 65MW
90.1 MW
Client: Bellevue Gold • Capacity: 90.1 MW hybrid power station that combines solar, wind, and battery energy storage with thermal generation.
15.4 MW
Client: Gascoyne Resources Ltd • Capacity: 15.4 MW gas fired power station
The project includes 27 MW of solar, 24 MW of wind, and a 15 MW / 30 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), enabling “engine off” operations. This setup allows the project to run entirely on renewable energy during favourable conditions, meeting well over 80% of its power demand through renewable energy.
The Bellevue Gold Project is a large-scale gold mining operation in Western Australia, aiming to lead the sector in decarbonisation. The project includes a hybrid power station that integrates renewable energy sources alongside traditional thermal generation to achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
The project includes 27 MW of solar, 24 MW of wind, and a 15 MW / 30 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), enabling “engine off” operations. This setup allows the project to run entirely on renewable energy during favourable conditions, meeting well over 80% of its power demand through renewable energy.
Zenith Energy is setting the standard by operating a 90 MW hybrid power station that combines solar, wind, and battery energy storage with thermal generation. This innovative approach supports Bellevue Gold’s goal of becoming the world’s first net zero (Scope 1 and Scope 2) emission gold mine, and by being Australia’s most renewably powered mine. The collaboration with Tjiwarl Contracting Services also highlights Zenith’s commitment to Indigenous engagement.
The goal is for approximately 80% of the project’s energy needs to be met by renewable energy, which is performing well.
May 2024.
Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for an initial term of 15 years.
To significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by primarily operating on renewable energy. Bellevue Gold aims to become the world’s first net zero (Scope 1 and Scope 2) emission gold mine by utilising high levels of renewable energy and considering other emission reduction measures and the voluntary use of high-quality Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) for the residual hard-to-abate emissions.
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 consists 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, who are the Traditional Owners of the land where the Bellevue Gold Project is located.
Bellevue Gold
Western Australia, Australia
Bellevue Gold
90 MW hybrid power station that combines solar, wind, and battery energy storage with thermal generation.
15-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
Commercial operation date (COD) May 2024
65MW
Client: Lynas Rare Earths • Capacity: 65MW
90.1 MW
Client: Bellevue Gold • Capacity: 90.1 MW hybrid power station that combines solar, wind, and battery energy storage with thermal generation.
15.4 MW
Client: Gascoyne Resources Ltd • Capacity: 15.4 MW gas fired power station
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’ 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.
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.
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.
The Original Jundee power station began operations in 2016, with the first hybrid components commissioned in early 2024.
Long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) under a Build, Own, operate (BOO) model, recently extended until 2039.
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.
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.
Jundee
Northern Goldfields, WA
NSR
89 MW
65MW
Client: Lynas Rare Earths • Capacity: 65MW
90.1 MW
Client: Bellevue Gold • Capacity: 90.1 MW hybrid power station that combines solar, wind, and battery energy storage with thermal generation.
15.4 MW
Client: Gascoyne Resources Ltd • Capacity: 15.4 MW gas fired power station
Michael Buzzard is the Executive of IPP Growth at Zenith Energy, spearheading the company’s expansion in the independent power producer sector. With over 25 years’ experience in business development and commercial management, Michael specialises in sustainable energy solutions and strategic partnerships that foster growth and innovation.
Mark Sputore is an experienced in-house legal professional with 20 years of industry expertise. Since joining Zenith Energy in 2023 as General Counsel & Company Secretary, he has been responsible for overseeing legal, governance, and regulatory matters, ensuring compliance and strategic risk management. His extensive experience in corporate law and energy sector regulations supports Zenith Energy’s commitment to operational excellence and sustainable growth.
Abby Kenward is a Human Resources Executive with the ability to optimise businesses by effectively resourcing, managing, developing and deploying people. Over twelve years’ experience in implementing and managing HR & IR business functions, including; Resourcing, Remuneration and Benefits, Learning and Development, Performance Management, Employee Relations and Strategic Planning. This experience has been gained across a range of industries; consulting, oil and gas, engineering, construction and non for profits.
Dominic has 25 years international commercial experience with the past 15 years in senior executive energy sector business development and leadership roles. He has shaped strategy, business direction and led market development in renewables and microgrids across the public and private sector. Dominic has led a range of professional clean energy and microgrid projects as consultant and project director with energy utilities, remote communities, mining operations, commercial and industrial property developers. Dominic was responsible for the founding and building one of the longest standing successful private clean energy businesses in Australia. He was also the Project Director for the creation of a new statutory electricity corporation for the WA government with 800,000 customers
Tim joined Zenith Energy as Executive Manager Corporate Development in April 2021. He leads the Corporate Development Team, focusing on originating and executing the acquisition of new distributed energy solutions for Zenith. An experienced commercial and finance executive, Tim has held a number of finance and corporate development roles with South32 and BHP. Prior to his current role with Zenith, he was the Head of Treasury and Corporate Finance for South32. He has a Bachelor degree in Commerce and Law and a Master of Applied Finance.
Elvin has over 25 years experience in the energy industry including as an upstream oil & gas industry executive across the LNG value chain for fixed and floating small to mid-scale Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) projects in USA, Canada, China, Africa, Southeast Asia, Australia & Papua New Guinea. Elvin is experienced in establishing new domestic virtual pipeline natural gas markets and expanding existing market offerings for the LNG fuels and power sector including initiating, evaluating and delivering sanctioned business cases to realize target ROI. Elvin has previously held executive management roles for an ASX top 50 energy operator delivering a baseload LNG project in Papua New Guinea, and for specialist SME consulting companies in the Australasian region supporting both onshore and offshore Exploration & Production activities.
Simon Jelly is a Specialist Electrical technician who has +20 years’ experience in the remote power industry. He is highly skilled in Gas, Diesel, and Hybrid renewable power stations, having designed, commissioned, and constructed numerous power stations throughout WA and the NT Mining Industries. Simon has strong leadership skills having grown a successful design and construction team at Zenith over 10 years. Simon has been responsible for designing, engineering and the construction of new projects, managing all technical aspects of the business including, operational efficiency initiatives, the tender process, as well as R&D.
Russell has over 38 years’ experience in safety management roles across the mining, energy, power and drilling industries. Most recently, he was the Contract HSE/HR Manager overseeing Drillwest and Acqua Drill Resources through his own company RP Hazard, Risk and Training Solutions. Previously he held roles with BHP Billiton, Wesfarmers Energy (Kleenheat Gas), Western Power and Boart Longyear. Russell’s expertise includes risk identification and management, development and implementation of Management Systems to Australian Standards and ensuring a compliance focus with safety in design.
Graham is an electrical technician and experienced manager having worked in the IPP industry with Doug for many years, he has over 30 years’ experience in designing, constructing, and operating, remote area’s power stations and renewable energy systems. He is responsible for, managing all engineering, project construction, and operational/maintenance aspects of the business, including the company HSEQ and Human resources teams.
Hamish has extensive experience in the downstream oil industry gained primarily in building markets in numerous sectors across Asia, Europe and the US. Hamish was most recently the Chief Executive Officer of a private commercial services company, which he sold into a major public services conglomerate in the second half of 2015. Previously he was the Chief Executive Officer of a privately held oil distribution company, which holds exclusive distribution rights to a major international brand and has performed roles as Segment Director and Marketing Director for one of the world’s largest oil companies.
Doug is a 35-year veteran of the power generation industry. He has designed and built more than 60 remote power stations across Australasia, initially through his own company, StateWest Power and later through Zenith Pacific, which he co-founded in 2006. StateWest was subsequently acquired by Wesfarmers Energy. Doug is recognised in the industry for his innovative thinking, both in finding effective solutions to difficult power generation problems and for creating the now widely-recognised Build – Own – Operate (BOO) approach to the establishment of remote area power plants.
