This report documents the development, implementation and operational performance of the Chichester Solar Gas Hybrid Project that involved integrating 60MW of solar PV generation into a large and remote island grid based on a gas-fired generator and battery.
Report extract
In 2017, Fortescue, in a public forum in WA, expressed its intention to explore the possibilities of displacing existing diesel and gas‐fired power generation with renewable generation sources for mining operations at its Chichester Hub in the Pilbara, Western Australia.
Alinta was already supplying electricity to Roy Hill Iron Ore mines from its gas turbines and battery storage facility at Newman power station. Newman power station is connected to Roy Hill Iron Ore mine via a 120 km, 220 kV transmission network. Alinta proposed extending the 220kV network from Roy Hill mines to Fortescue’s Chichester Hub and constructing a solar PV plant at Christmas Creek. This would then supply all electricity requirements for Fortescue’s Chichester hub operations under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).