Renewables

Rapid deployment solar and battery cubes to slash diesel use at WA gold mine

Published by

Scottish energy solutions company Aggreko has completed construction and commissioning of a new solar farm and battery system at Northern Star Resources’ Porphyry gold mine in Kalgoorlie.  

The new solar and battery project consists of a 4.4MW solar farm fitted with 5B Maverick solar PV panels as well as two Aggreko Y.Cube battery energy storage systems with a capacity of 2MW/1MWh.

Image Credit: Aggreko

The project will supply power to the Porphyry gold mine and has been connected with the gold mine’s existing 5MW diesel power station which is also owned and operated by Aggreko. The solar and battery are expected to cut 1.67 million litres of diesel fuel each year.

Aggreko also expect the new solar and battery storage components to generate 7.4GWh of renewable energy each year and save 4,486 metric tonnes of CO2 annually.

Image Credit: Aggreko

Northern Star Resources’ Carosue Dam Operations general manager, John Albrecht, said the solar PV power will help boost the operation’s financial and environmental footprint.

“The off-grid power solution implemented provides a reliable, and cost-effective solution that can be scaled up and down as needed throughout our mine’s operational life cycle,” said Albrecht.

Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.

Joshua S Hill

Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.

Share
Published by

Recent Posts

Old Henty farm show ploughs on despite worry Hanson’s opening act will steer debate into climate-denying rut

One Nation's Pauline Hanson has been picked to open one of Australia's biggest farm shows…

25 August 2026

Australia’s biggest oil and gas company abandons clean energy plans after cashing in on global fuel crisis

Soaring commodity prices have bolstered the profits of Australia's largest oil and gas producer, as…

25 August 2026

Fake photos, fraudulent claims: Regulator suspends another company from energy upgrades scheme

State regulator suspends another company from participating in energy upgrades subsidy after it was allegedly…

25 August 2026

Network to charge ahead after winning latest legal wrangle over contested Marinus project

The fight may not be over yet as woman leading the campaign against the Marinus-linked…

25 August 2026

From pumps to power systems: Guide launched to help farmers go electric and assess renewable and storage

New guide launched guide to help farmers and regional businesses assess power and electric options…

25 August 2026

Ditching diesel for renewables could save Pacific nations nearly $1 billion a year, study finds

Replacing fuel imports with renewable power could save Pacific countries millions of dollars if they…

25 August 2026