Zenith Energy Pty Ltd has received a Letter of Award from Liontown Resources to build, own, and operate what is expected to become the largest off-grid renewable energy hybrid power station in Australia at Liontown’s Kathleen Valley Project.
The award will see Zenith Energy construct a 95MW hybrid power station at Kathleen Valley in WA’s Goldfields-Esperance region, which includes 30MW of wind capacity, 16MWp fixed axis solar PV array, and 17MW/19MWh battery energy storage system (BESS).
Managing Director Hamish Moffat says the partnership will allow Zenith Energy to demonstrate its innovation, flexibility, and expertise to deliver low-carbon emitting hybrid power solutions.
“Zenith Energy is proud to continue to play a lead role in the energy transition, and to provide like-minded partners with a glide path to Net Zero.”
“The project also further demonstrates Zenith Energy’s continued commitment to increasing the proportion of renewable generation in our portfolio.”
Mr Moffat says the thermal components of the power station are designed to operate in ‘engine off’ mode at various times, delivering 100% renewable energy generation to Kathleen Valley.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to showcase our expertise, and the ability of renewables to deliver reliable, continuous supply, to power an entire mining operation.”
“It will once again raise the industry benchmark in renewable energy integration and demonstrates our commitment to power decarbonisation.”
Other unique aspects of the agreement include;
- Largest Off-Grid Hybrid Power Station in Australia: The hybrid power station is currently expected to have the largest off-grid renewable capacity of any mining project in the country, with 46MW + 17MW BESS.
- Renewable Incentives: A combination of incentives to produce renewable power over thermal power together with a renewable energy guarantee will allow Liontown to meet and exceed its renewable energy factor target of 60% at startup and beyond.
Liontown Managing Director and CEO Tony Ottaviano says Liontown is delighted to partner with such an experienced and highly competent power producer.
“We believe Zenith Energy is an ideal partner to delivery an industry leading hybrid power station to meet Liontown’s energy needs and requirements for a high-capacity renewable solution.”
“The hybrid power station proposed will enable Liontown to exceed our target of achieving at least 60% renewable energy at Project start-up and beyond.”
Mr Moffat says Zenith Energy is engaged with Traditional Owners, recently announcing a collaboration with Tjiwarl Contracting Services to work together to deliver low carbon emission power solutions for miners and communities on Tjiwarl native title determined lands.
Zenith Energy and Liontown have agreed key commercial terms and are working to finalise arrangements under a binding long term Build, Own and Operate (BOO) Power Purchase Agreement.
