TransAlta, BHP announces Northern Goldfields achieves commercial operation

TransAlta (TAC) and BHP Group (BHP) “announced that the 48 MW Northern Goldfields solar and battery storage facility has achieved commercial operation and is now supplying reliable electricity to BHP’s remote nickel mining operations in Western Australia. The Northern Goldfields Solar and Battery Storage Facility consists of the 27.4 MW Mt Keith Solar Farm, 10.7 MW Leinster Solar Farm, 10.1 MW Leinster battery energy storage system and interconnecting transmission infrastructure, all of which is now integrated into TransAlta’s existing 169 MW Southern Cross Energy North remote network in Western Australia. The project created more than 100 direct and indirect jobs in the Goldfields and Perth regions during the construction phase and will support ongoing employment opportunities during operations. The project has also engaged with local stakeholders and communities, including Traditional Owners from the Tjiwarl Native Title Holders, to ensure positive social and economic outcomes.”