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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 in the near future.

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