Australian miner Rio Tinto has announced that Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation has reached financial close for the Jinbi Solar Project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The two parties have also signed a power purchase agreement (PPA), allowing the project to proceed into the construction phase.
The Jinbi Solar Project represents a significant renewable energy development on Yindjibarndi Ngurra (Country). According to the announcement, financial close confirms that all major financing arrangements, contracts, approvals, and regulatory requirements required for construction have now been completed.
Rio Tinto to purchase full Stage 1 output
Under the long-term agreement, Rio Tinto will purchase 100 percent of the electricity generated during Stage 1 of the project. The renewable electricity will be used to support decarbonization efforts across Rio Tinto’s Pilbara iron ore operations.
Stage 1 includes 75 MWac solar facility
The first phase of the Jinbi project will include a 75 MWac solar power facility. The project also has potential for future expansion to 150 MWac, alongside the possible addition of battery energy storage systems (BESS), subject to future approvals and development decisions.
This will mark the start of the 30-year renewable electricity supply agreement supporting Rio Tinto’s long-term emissions reduction strategy in Western Australia.
