Energy solutions provider Aggreko has finalised a landmark power purchase agreement (PPA) with international mining company Harmony Gold for the Eva copper mine project in north-west Queensland, Australia, paving the way for the development of that country’s largest offgrid renewable hybrid power facility.

The PPA – with a minimum term of 15 years – will see Aggreko build, own and operate the renewable hybrid power facility, supplying safe, reliable and lower-carbon energy to support the construction and operation of Harmony’s new copper mine.

Showcasing the next generation of large-scale hybrid energy solutions, the Aggreko renewable hybrid power facility will integrate low-emission thermal generation with extensive solar and battery storage infrastructure, providing Harmony with a resilient and future-focused energy platform.

Aggreko AusPac MD George Whyte says the project highlights Aggreko’s growing leadership in Australia’s hybrid and renewable-energy landscape.

“This is a milestone for Aggreko and Australian mining.

“The scale of this renewable hybrid power station and the level of integration between solar, battery storage and thermal generation set a new benchmark for offgrid energy,” he comments.

“Our long-term agreement reflects Aggreko’s commitment to partnering with industry to deliver innovative, lower-emission energy solutions that are both commercially and operationally robust.”

Aggreko says its sustainability strategy is underpinned by two goals, namely net-zero emissions from facilities and operations by 2035, and a 30% reduction in the emissions intensity of energy solutions by 2030.

These environmental commitments sit alongside the company’s social and governance commitments which include investing in its own skills and communities and being an ethical and transparent business.

Once complete, Aggreko will own and operate the renewable hybrid power facility, which it says will be among the most advanced in the country, cementing the company’s position as a market-leading independent power producer in Australia’s resources sector.

The Eva copper mine project renewable hybrid power facility will include a 104 MVA thermal power facility with flexibility to scale; a 118 MW solar farm; and a 250 MWh battery energy storage system.

This combination will allow for a high renewables contribution, reduced fuel consumption and improved emissions performance across the mine’s lifecycle.

Aggreko and Harmony are also working collaboratively to further increase renewable-energy distribution over time, including potential wind integration and future connection to transmission infrastructure, ensuring the power solution remains flexible and evolves with the project’s long-term requirements.

Aggreko notes that construction of the hybrid power facility is also expected to generate regional employment opportunities and support local contracting, supply and service partners in Cloncurry and Mount Isa.

Once operational, the renewable hybrid power facility will give the Eva copper mine project a reliable and scalable energy supply that optimises renewable use, while ensuring consistent power for critical mining operations.