Tomago Aluminium, the single-largest electricity user in New South Wales, is on the hunt for help in switching to 100 per cent renewables, enabling it to end its reliance on coal-fired power generation.
The aluminium smelting giant, which a year ago set a goal to transition to 100 per cent renewable electricity before 2030, is now publicly seeking “new and innovative” investment and collaboration proposals to develop renewable generation and storage products.
Tomago chair David Fallu says, as the state’s largest energy user, the company plays a “pivotal role” in shaping future renewable energy investment in the state.
“Tomago Aluminium’s owners are committed to transitioning the business to a low carbon future, and this is a key step towards reaching that very important goal,” Fallu said.
“This is a significant opportunity for TAC to collaborate and drive investment in competitive firmed renewable energy sources.”
Tomago’s next steps
Specifically, Tomago is looking for expressions of interest from outside parties to develop, invest in or procure long-term traceable renewable energy and dispatchable firm power generation projects or contracts.
It also wants assistance in supplying its production assets in order to underpin its decarbonisation strategy and net-zero ambition.
Tomago’s energy transition plans were set in motion by former CEO Matt Howell, who earlier this year swapped his role at the aluminium giant for a seat on the board of the federal government’s Clean Energy Finance Corp.
Not good news for everyone
While opening up a “significant opportunity” for collaboration on clean energy projects in NSW, Tomago’s latest step forward in its shift to renewable electricity will not be welcomed by all.
As RenewEconomy has reported, Tomago’s green transition threatens significant ramifications for one of Australia’s largest coal fired power stations – the 2,640 MW Bayswater power station.
Aluminium production is an electricity intensive process, with the Tomago smelter alone drawing a continuous 850MW of demand from the grid when it is operational.
Bayswater supplies power to the aluminium smelter under a contract that is due to expire at the end of 2028.
