A new power purchase agreement for BHP Mitsubishi Alliance’s Queensland operations is set to allow BMA to meet all its forecasted electricity needs from renewable sources such as solar, wind and pumped hydro.
The agreement will see BMA’s Queensland assets become the first Australian operations at BHP to run under renewable power arrangements for 100 per cent of its electricity needs from 2027.
BMA entered the new seven-year PPA with CleanCo, commencing from FY2027. This marks the third power agreement signed with Queensland’s publicly-owned energy generator and retailer CleanCo.
The new PPA supports four renewable electricity projects across regional Queensland which have generated more than 1500 local jobs during construction and are expected to create 37 jobs once operating.
BHP President Australia, Geraldine Slattery, said that BHP has committed to a target of reducing its operational emissions by at least 30 per cent by FY2030.
“We’re really energised by this agreement. By moving BMA to 100 per cent renewables, we’re taking a big step towards delivering on our goals.”
BHP Chief Commercial Officer, Rag Udd, said, “We are committed to using more renewable energy at our sites across Australia and around the world, so agreements like these are core to our strategy.
“Across all the sites we operate, we are aiming to have 100 per cent renewable electricity arrangements by FY2030, where it is technically and commercially viable to do so.”
BMA Asset President, Adam Lancey, said the agreement is the culmination of years of work.
“I’m proud that BMA is going to be the first of BHP’s Australian operations to be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy. This is good for BMA and good for Queensland.
“This agreement is underpinned by four projects which have supported more than 1500 construction jobs and are expected to create 37 jobs once operating, reinforcing our strong support for Queensland’s renewable electricity infrastructure build which is boosting regional and local communities.”
CleanCo CEO, Tom Metcalfe, said, “CleanCo is focused on delivering clean energy solutions that help Queensland businesses and communities decarbonise and thrive in a net zero future. We are privileged to partner with BMA to transform the challenge of decarbonisation into an opportunity for enhanced competitiveness.
“BMA’s commitment to 100 per cent renewable electricity highlights the vital role renewable projects like Dulacca Wind Farm on the Western Downs and Kaban Wind Farm in Far North Queensland play in local job creation and supporting regional communities. This partnership is a testament to how collaborative efforts can drive economic growth and environmental sustainability.”
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