en.Wedoany.com Reported - BHP is advancing its renewable energy self-sufficiency strategy by signing a long-term agreement with global renewable energy technology provider Sungrow to directly develop solar power and battery energy storage projects at its Escondida and Spence operations in Chile.

These projects plan to build a total of 110 MW of solar capacity and 110 MW/540 MWh of battery energy storage at Escondida, and 85 MW of solar capacity and 85 MW/420 MWh of storage at Spence. This infrastructure will enable both operations to supplement their renewable energy supply strategies and enhance the resilience of power supply. The projects are scheduled to begin operations in fiscal year 2029, adding new capacity to maintain operational continuity at both sites, responding to BHP's need to secure 100% renewable energy supply amid increased electricity demand driven by copper production growth.

Adam Favero, Vice President of Development and Strategy Services at BHP, stated that by locating power generation directly at the point of consumption, the company enhances the resilience and efficiency of operational energy supply, while supporting the country's energy transition by reducing pressure and congestion on the power system. BHP's operations in Chile achieved 100% renewable energy supply in fiscal year 2022, and this new self-sufficiency model reinforces that trajectory. Ian Oxley, Vice President of Minerals Procurement for the Americas at BHP, expressed satisfaction in leveraging BHP's global scale and integrating ecosystem partners to support operational decarbonization efforts.

These agreements also complement a market tender recently launched by BHP to secure new long-term renewable energy power purchase agreements for Escondida and Spence. The mining company is seeking to sign power contracts of up to 6 terawatt-hours (TWh) per year, with contract durations of up to 20 years, expected to begin supply in 2032. BHP's strategy integrates distributed generation at consumption points with market-sourced renewable energy, thereby consolidating a secure, reliable, and more sustainable energy solution for its Chilean copper operations.

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