The Albanese Government is backing a substantial initiative with Clean Energy Finance Corporation funding to support Neoen’s Goyder wind farm, delivering essential electricity to BHP’s prominent copper mine in South Australia.
Olympic Dam, a copper mine situated 550km north-northwest of Adelaide, is set to benefit from the cleaner and more affordable power generated by the wind farm, which will be supplemented by Neoen’s Blyth Battery nearby.
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation is investing $99 million to support Neoen’s Goyder wind farm, slated to provide electricity to the giant copper mine in the northern part of the state.
Once operational, the wind farm is expected to produce 203MW of electricity, with the battery capable of storing 477 MWh. This renewable energy output is forecasted to cover half of Olympic Dam mine’s electricity needs.
During the wind farm’s construction phase, over 400 jobs are projected to be created, along with 40 positions at the Blyth Battery facility.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, highlighted the project’s significance for South Australia’s clean energy and resources sectors.
“It’s great to see clean energy powering mining – bringing together key national industrial strengths in renewables and resources, while creating jobs,” Bowen said.
“The Albanese Government is excited to support a project that involves three vital things for Australia’s future – wind power, batteries, and strategic materials.”
The Blyth Battery project marks the fifth significant battery project financed by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, bringing their total investment in this technology to over $390 million.
According to BHP Olympic Dam Asset President, Jennifer Purdie, BHP is focused on producing copper more sustainably.
“This agreement will support BHP on its decarbonisation journey, and provide new firmed renewable energy and increased stability to the South Australian grid.”
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