PV inverter and energy storage systems company Sungrow has highlighted its role in the development of Australia's largest offgrid hybrid renewable energy system at the Kathleen Valley mining operation in Western Australia.

The project, developed in collaboration with Zenith Energy and Liontown Resources, showcases the integration of renewable-energy solutions within Australia's mining sector.

Australia's mining sector remains a cornerstone of the national economy, contributing between 10% and 11% to the country’s GDP and generating a record $455-billion in export revenue in 2022/23, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. However, many mining sites, particularly those in remote locations such as Kathleen Valley, face challenges related to power supply owing to the lack of established infrastructure.

In response to this challenge, the Kathleen Valley operation has embraced offgrid renewable energy solutions to reduce reliance on expensive and polluting diesel power, lower greenhouse-gas emissions, and cut energy costs.

The Kathleen Valley project features a state-of-the-art hybrid power system that combines 17 MW / 20 MWh of battery storage, 17 MW of solar power, and 30 MW of wind energy, alongside 32 MW of thermal generation (comprising 27 MW of gas and 5 MW of diesel).

The energy solution is powered by Sungrow’s SG350HX string inverter, SC4000UD-MV power conversion system, and the ST2236UX PowerTitan liquid cooling energy storage system. Together, these technologies provide an efficient renewable-energy solution designed to optimise energy use and support the sustainability of mining operations.

Since commissioning on June 30 of this year, the system has powered the Kathleen Valley site with 100% renewable energy for over three-and-a-half days, a landmark achievement for the mining sector. The system is designed to deliver up to 80% of the site’s energy from renewable sources over the course of the year, significantly reducing the operation's carbon footprint and setting new benchmarks for environmentally responsible mining.

“We are proud to collaborate with Zenith Energy and Liontown Resources on this transformative project. By integrating advanced renewable solutions, we are driving the mining industry’s energy transition and demonstrating the power of sustainable innovation in one of Australia’s key economic sectors,” said Sungrow Australia country director Joe Zhou.