BHP has announced that 18 wind turbines are now in place at the Flat Rocks Wind Farm Stage 1 in Western Australia.
The wind farm is part of a Power Purchase Agreement between BHP, a leading nickel supplier, and Enel Green Power, a leading renewable energy company within the Enel Group.
The wind farm will generate enough renewable energy to power BHP’s Kalgoorlie Nickel Smelter and Kambalda Concentrator annually upon completion.
Nickel West Asset President Jess Farrell said that once completed, each wind turbine will reach a height of 200m, but their small footprint allows for continued farming and other activities around them.
“This is especially impressive given the wind farm will provide renewable energy to our operations equivalent to the entire annual electricity consumption at the Kalgoorlie Nickel Smelter and Kambalda Concentrator each year,” Farrell stated.
“It was also great to see the community engagement approach by Enel Green Power, including the local Community Information Centre and recently launched Community Fund. We even have the turbines being named by local schools and community groups!” she added.
Nickel West has inked a 12-year power purchase agreement with Enel Green Power for 100% of the energy produced at Flat Rocks Wind Farm Stage 1, with options to extend the agreement.
“We are committed to finding ways to reduce emissions from our operations which is why we are investing in renewable energy projects like Flat Rocks Wind Farm Stage 1,” Farrell said.
The remaining turbines will be built in the coming months, with commissioning and electrification scheduled for early 2024.
