Australian lithium miner installs 8 MWh battery

The 13 MW/8 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) is helping power one of the world’s largest hard-rock lithium mines, with Western Australia-based miner PLS advancing plans to reduce its energy-related emission intensity and its electricity costs.
Image: PLS

Perth-headquartered lithium miner PLS says a 13 MW/8 MWh BESS has been energized at its Pilgangoora operation in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.

The battery, which combines with an existing hybrid power system featuring a 6 MW solar farm alongside gas and diesel-fired generation owned and operated by off-grid power specialist Pacific Energy, is expected to enhance power stability and reliability at the 24-hour, remote mining operation.

PLS, formerly Pilbara Minerals, said the delivery of the battery system marks the completion of the first stage of its power strategy which is expected to deliver a 20% reduction in power-related emission intensity and about a 25% decrease in power costs at the Pilgangoora mine.

PLS Chief Sustainability Officer Sandra McInnes said the delivery of the BESS further improves stability and reliability of power at the Pilgangoora site.

“Having reliable and stable power is key to our 24-hour, remote mining operation,” she said. “This project also aligns with our strategy to drive costs down while building for the future, ensuring we have the technology, capacity, and optionality to capitalize when the lithium market turns.”

This 6 MW solar array helps power PLS’ Pilgangoora operations. Image: PLS

McInnes said the battery is the final piece in the initial stage of the company’s medium-term power strategy which aims to reduce diesel-based thermal generation. Stage one included the construction of the 6 MW solar farm and the installation of 30 MW of gas generation. Stages two and three of the strategy aim to further increase renewable power generation capacity with the battery system expected to support future growth in solar generation.

“The delivery of this project aligns with our ambition to become a sustainable battery materials producer, as well as driving ongoing operational cost savings,” PLS said in a statement, adding the project supports its commitment to achieving net-zero scope one and two emissions in the decade commencing 2040.

Successful delivery of stage one and stage two of the strategy is anticipated to achieve around a 48% reduction in power emissions intensity by 2027, via solar power and gas generation initiatives at site; with up to 80% reduction by 2030, should emerging wind power generation opportunities become regionally available, to come in stage three.

PLS said the existing 6 MW solar power plant contributed 9.5% of the total electricity produced on site in 2024, replacing about 3 million liters of diesel fuel.

From pv magazine Australia.

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  • Ev is new to pv magazine and brings three decades of experience as a writer, editor, photographer and designer for print and online publications in Australia, the UAE, the USA and Singapore. Based in regional NSW, she is passionate about Australia’s commitment to clean energy solutions.

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