Rio Tinto Secures Major Solar and Battery Deal to Cut Emissions by 70%

Rio Tinto is making significant strides toward sustainability with a new agreement that will drastically reduce emissions at its Gladstone aluminium operations. The company has secured a 20-year deal with Edify Energy to purchase 90% of power from two major solar and battery storage projects in Queensland. This 600MW solar and 2,400MWh battery storage project is expected

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to cut emissions from the Gladstone smelter by 70%, equivalent to removing nearly 2 million cars from the road. This agreement not only supports Rio Tinto’s environmental goals but also ensures a reliable and cost-effective energy supply for its operations for decades to come, helping the company remain competitive in a rapidly changing energy landscape.

The new project is a key component of Rio Tinto’s broader effort to repower its aluminium operations with renewable energy. The collaboration with Edify Energy marks the first time the company has integrated battery storage into its energy strategy, making its Boyne smelter globally cost-competitive as traditional energy prices rise. By securing a substantial portion of its electricity from these cutting-edge renewable sources, Rio Tinto is setting a strong example for the industrial sector in Australia, combining environmental responsibility with long-term economic benefits. This partnership also strengthens Queensland's renewable energy capacity, positioning Rio Tinto at the forefront of sustainable industrial operations in the region.

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