BHP, Sungrow sign solar, battery deals for Chile copper mines

BHP has signed long-term agreements with Chinese energy technology company Sungrow to deploy 195 MW of solar generation and 960 MWh of battery storage at its Escondida and Spence copper mining operations in Chile. The projects are scheduled to begin operations from fiscal year 2029.

BHP, one of the world’s largest mining companies and operator of the Escondida and Spence copper mines in northern Chile, has announced agreements with Sungrow to add solar generation and battery storage at both sites in the Antofagasta region.

According to the company, the projects include 110 MW of solar generation and a 110 MW/540 MWh battery energy storage system at Escondida, along with 85 MW of solar generation and an 85 MW/420 MWh battery system at Spence. Together, the projects comprise 195 MW of solar capacity and 960 MWh of battery storage.

The systems will be integrated directly into the mines’ electricity consumption and are intended to complement the renewable energy supply strategy for both operations. BHP said the new infrastructure will help maintain 100% renewable electricity supply at Escondida and Spence as power demand associated with copper production increases.

The projects are scheduled to enter operation from fiscal year 2029. BHP said locating generation and storage at the point of consumption will improve the resilience and efficiency of electricity supply while reducing pressure on the wider power system.

BHP achieved 100% renewable electricity supply for its Chilean operations at Escondida and Spence in fiscal year 2022 through long-term renewable power purchase agreements. The new projects add onsite generation and storage as part of the company’s self-supply strategy for its copper operations in Chile.

From pv magazine LatAm