The Tuckabianna hybrid power plant, the inaugural of four hybrid power stations in development for Westgold Resources, has officially begun operations in Western Australia. This marks a significant achievement for the gold mining company and its Clean Energy Transition initiative.
The quartet of installations located at Tuckabianna, Bluebird, Fortnum, and Big Bell is anticipated to result in significant decreases in emissions and energy expenses for Westgold’s activities in Western Australia’s Murchison and Bryah regions. These solutions, provided by Pacific Energy, are projected to collectively generate 82 MW of installed capacity. This advancement is expected to lead to a yearly reduction of about 38 million liters of diesel fuel consumption and an approximate decrease of 57,000 t/y in CO2-equivalent emissions.
This week, Westgold’s Chair, Cheryl Edwardes, and Managing Director, Wayne Bramwell, along with business collaborators, community representatives, and Indigenous Custodians, gathered at the site to inaugurate the 17.9 MW power station.
Comprising a 6 MW solar farm equipped with 11,088 photovoltaic panels, a 2.4 MW battery energy storage system, and a 9.5 MW gas-fueled power station, the Tuckabianna facility showcases a comprehensive energy infrastructure.
Under an Electricity Purchase Agreement, Pacific Energy owns and operates the gas-fired power stations, battery storage, and solar farms. Clean Energy Fuels Australia (CEFA) supplies the LNG through an LNG supply agreement. These agreements were finalized in the previous year.
These agreements are projected to result in significant operational cost reductions for Westgold in its financial years from 2023 to 2024, amounting to approximately A$100/oz ($68/oz) based on the prevailing diesel price. This aligns with the company’s dedication to environmental, social, and governance initiatives aimed at minimizing its long-term greenhouse gas emissions.
According to Bramwell of Westgold, they are persistently seeking innovative ways to lower our greenhouse gas emissions and decrease operating expenses.
“The Tuckabianna hybrid power facility represents an important initial stride in this direction, leveraging renewable energy sources. The energy generated by these facilities will power our mines and processing centers for many years. The successful launch of Tuckabianna stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication of Westgold’s project and operational teams, alongside our valued partners at Pacific Energy and CEFA, as well as the construction crews who ensured the safe and timely completion of our inaugural power station.”
Jamie Cullen, CEO of Pacific Energy, expressed his congratulations, stating:
“Kudos to the combined efforts of the Pacific Energy and Westgold project teams for successfully bringing the Tuckabianna hybrid station to fruition – not only on schedule but, most importantly, without any incidents or safety issues. Tuckabianna is an integral component of a broader initiative to streamline six existing power stations into four highly efficient hybrid power facilities that integrate gas, solar, and battery storage systems. This endeavor collectively constitutes one of the most comprehensive fully integrated hybrid power systems in the Australian mining industry.”
“Having been a valued client of Pacific Energy since 2015, we are thrilled to be partnering with Westgold as they embark on their journey towards a more sustainable energy future.”
