Energy, Environment and Climate Action Minister Reece Whitby travelled to the Western Australian Goldfields on Wednesday to see the future of energy in the mining industry.

Whitby officially opened the Kathleen Valley hybrid power system – designed, funded,  built, owned and operated by Western Australia-based independent power producer (IPP) Zenith Energy for Liontown Resources.

The integrated solar farm, wind farm, battery and firming liquefied natural gas power plant enable the miner to operate with a minimum 60% emissions-free energy at its Goldfields hard rock lithium mine.

The largest operating off-grid power system in Australia, the 95 MW Kathleen Valley hybrid power system incorporates the nation’s biggest off-grid wind farm using large land-based wind turbines.

Zenith says the system showcases the ability of renewables to deliver reliable, continuous supply to support an entire mining operation.

“By using renewable energy to power its lithium mining, Liontown Resources and Zenith Energy are showcasing what WA’s future as a clean energy superpower will look like,” said Whitby.

Zenith Energy CEO Hamish Moffat said the multi-award-winning hybrid system illustrated the vision for the energy transition.

“Liontown set out with a clear goal from the start at Kathleen Valley – to operate with the lowest possible carbon footprint – and Zenith Energy is proud to be providing a market-leading solution and its strategic energy partner for this landmark project,” Moffat said.

“Not only does the Kathleen Valley hybrid power system show the way forward as a world-class project, but it also demonstrates how decarbonisation of the mining sector can be achieved through joint effort and shared success.”

The official opening at Kathleen Valley also celebrated another IPP first in Australia – a formal engagement agreement with Traditional Owners. This agreement between Zenith and Native Title determined owners Tjiwarl Aboriginal Corporation, through its subsidiary Tjiwarl Contracting Services, was enabled by Liontown’s requirement for Traditional Owner involvement on all major contracts at Kathleen Valley.

A key outcome of the engagement agreement has been the formation of a Tjiwarl 80% majority-owned joint venture (JV) called Tjiwarl Katu Power, to, among other things, provide power-related services at Kathleen Valley and Zenith Energy’s other power stations on Tjiwarl Country.

Tjiwarl director and Native Title holder Kado Muir said the immediate drive for the JV was to transition operations and maintenance activities at the power station to Tjiwarl Katu Power.

"To this end, Tjiwarl Katu Power is in the process of establishing its operational resources to start servicing the power station this year,” Muir said.