Hybrid power station near Meekatharra expected to reduce diesel fuel emission by 38 million litres a year

A new hybrid power station at Tuckabianna gold mine near Cue, which will reduce diesel fuel usage by 38 million litres, is on track to be commissioned by July this year. It will be the first of four stations that will be in Westgold processing operations and mine sites around Meekatharra, and will replace the five diesel-fired power stations currently being used. The new stations will use a combination of renewable energy, stored battery and liquefied natural gas along with the components of the facility. The components include a 9MW power station, a 6MW solar farm and a battery energy storage system with 2MW installed capacity. By replacing the current diesel power stations, it is expected to reduce carbon emissions by about 56 per cent and a 38 million litre reduction per annum in diesel fuel usage. Westgold resources managing director Wayne Bramwell said the progress on the stations was exciting. “The new facilities are replacing five diesel-fired stations and will deliver a substantial reduction in our emissions and cost of power,” he said. “We’re talking about a 56 per cent reduction in emissions on the existing diesel facilities and a 38 million litre reduction per annum in diesel fuel usage.” The Tuckabianna site will have 11088 solar panels over 132 rows that are independent and self-powered. “The scale and construction of the solar farms is a clear indication of the commitment Westgold has to the production of clean energy through modern and cost-effective innovation,” Mr Bramwell said. “The new Tuckabianna facility remains on track for commissioning by July 2023 despite the challenges of constructing at an operating site and the impact of the recent abnormal rain events throughout the Mid West.”