Aggreko Delivers Renewable Solutions for Eva Copper Mine

Harmony Gold's Eva Copper Mine Project in Northwest Queensland will be powered by a landmark 15-year renewable hybrid energy facility, marking a significant shift in how large-scale mining operations can secure reliable, lower carbon power in remote locations.

Aggreko has finalised a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the international mining company to build, own and operate what will become Australia's largest off-grid renewable hybrid power facility. The minimum 15-year term reflects the long-term operational requirements of the copper mining project, providing Harmony with energy security throughout both construction and production phases.

The facility will supply safe, reliable and lower carbon energy tailored specifically to support the Eva Copper Mine's operational demands. Aggreko, a global leader in engineered energy and temperature solutions, will design, deploy and optimise the flexible energy infrastructure essential to the mine's operations.

The company works across all major industries and brings deep sector expertise to shaping solutions around its customers' needs. It uses its experience working in demanding environments and complex applications to engineer reliable, efficient and sustainable solutions, from critical emergencies to long-term energy security.

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Meeting mining's operational demands

The renewable hybrid power facility represents the next generation of large-scale energy solutions designed for mining operations. It will integrate low-emissions thermal generation with extensive solar and battery storage infrastructure, providing the Eva Copper Mine with a resilient and future-focused energy platform capable of meeting the rigorous demands of continuous mineral extraction and processing.

Aggreko AusPac Managing Director, George Whyte, says the project highlights the company's understanding of mining's unique power requirements: "This is a milestone for Aggreko and Australian mining.

"The scale of this renewable hybrid power station and the level of integration between solar, battery storage and thermal generation set a new benchmark for off-grid energy.

"Our long-term agreement reflects Aggreko's commitment to partnering with industry to deliver innovative, lower emission energy solutions that are both commercially and operationally robust."

The facility will be engineered to balance peak renewable performance with the uninterrupted power supply essential for 24/7 mining operations. This approach could mean mining companies can reduce their reliance on diesel generation whilst maintaining the operational reliability critical to production schedules and safety systems.

Technical infrastructure for copper production

The Eva Copper Mine Project renewable hybrid power facility will include:

• 104 MVA thermal power facility with flexibility to scale
• 118 MWp solar farm
• 250 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).

This integration is designed to maximise renewable energy use while lowering fuel dependency and emissions throughout the mine's lifespan. The configuration addresses the specific challenge mining operations face in remote locations where grid connectivity is unavailable and fuel logistics can significantly impact operational costs.

Aggreko and Harmony are also exploring future wind integration and grid connectivity to ensure the system evolves alongside the copper project's needs. The thermal component provides the baseload reliability mining operations require, while the solar and battery storage systems reduce fuel consumption during peak daylight hours when processing and extraction activities demand substantial power.

Upon completion, the project will be one of Australia's most advanced energy hubs, establishing Aggreko as a premier Independent Power Producer (IPP) for the resources sector.

Aggreko's sustainability strategy is underpinned by two goals: net zero emissions from facilities and operations by 2035 and a 30% reduction in the emissions intensity of energy solutions by 2030.

Regional mining infrastructure development

Beyond powering the copper mine, the facility will drive regional growth by creating jobs and supporting local suppliers in Cloncurry and Mount Isa. These regional centres have long served as operational hubs for Queensland's mining industry, and the Eva Copper Mine Project could strengthen existing supply chains and service networks.

The scalable solution will provide the Eva Copper Mine with a dependable power supply designed specifically around mining's operational profile. As copper demand continues to grow globally, driven by electrification and renewable energy infrastructure, securing reliable power for copper production has become increasingly critical for mining companies operating in remote Australian locations.

The renewable hybrid model demonstrated at Eva Copper Mine could provide a template for future mining projects seeking to balance operational reliability with reduced emissions intensity in off-grid environments.