Idemitsu Australia is making big moves at their Boggabri Coal Mine to reduce some of the mine’s grid electricity usage by not only operating a solar farm, but also installing the largest vanadium flow battery of its kind in Australia.
To achieve that, Idemitsu Australia has installed and is operating a 5MW solar farm that was successfully commissioned in late September.
The solar facility has commenced full-scale generation of up to 5MW of renewable energy for the mine during daylight hours, expected to reduce CO2 emissions from electricity used by 40 per cent annually and aligns with Idemitsu’s long-term target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, marking an important milestone in minimising the environmental impact of its operations.
Idemitsu Australia CEO Steve Kovac said it’s an exciting opportunity.
“By integrating a significant solar energy source, our Boggabri mine is setting a new industry benchmark, helping to reduce emissions while improving operational efficiency.
“This is an exciting project which demonstrates our ongoing commitment to decarbonisation, sustainable energy solutions and supports the mining sector’s transition to renewable power.”
The solar farm is just the first stage in renewable projects planned for the Boggabri site.
The next phase of the project involves the integration of a 12.6 MWh vanadium flow battery (VFB), which has been approved for installation.
Once the battery is operational it will not only be the largest of its kind in Australia but will also be the first VFB installation for the Australian mining industry.
It will provide up to 6.3 hours of energy storage and is scheduled for completion in late 2026. Both the solar farm and battery projects have created local employment opportunities in construction, as well as ongoing employment during their operation.
The idea is that the battery will optimise the energy output from the solar farm, enabling the mine to operate more sustainably while reducing grid reliance.
Idemitsu Australia said the VFB installation at Boggabri Coal Mine will demonstrate the capability of VFBs as medium and long duration energy storage solutions allowing the capture of excess renewable energy during the day and delivering it in the evening when energy demand from the grid is high and supply is predominantly fossil fuel driven.
It will provide a dual benefit for the Boggabri mine through energy efficiency and a reduction in carbon emissions.
