There are five wind turbines in operation, all of which are integrated into Australia’s largest hybrid renewable microgrid.

The microgrid is the first in the country to power a mine with wind-generated electricity.

The advanced microgrid system also controls a 10,710-panel solar farm, battery system and off-grid gas/diesel engine power plant.

This project had received a $13.5 million funding from the government-backed Australian Renewable Energy Agency as part of its Advancing Renewables Program.

Gold Fields vice president Australasia, Stuart Mathews said the project completion was an important milestone for the company, EDL and the broader mining industry.

“For our people and our stakeholders, this is a very clear demonstration of our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint whilst strengthening our security of supply,” Mathews said.

“Having built our internal technical capability and developed strong relationships with our business partners, we are well placed to continue to implement renewables solutions elsewhere in our business.”

EDL chief executive James Harman acknowledged the achievement of the EDL project delivery team and its contractors.

“We faced transport challenges during the bushfires and impacts on personnel from COVID-19 restrictions as well as geographical, logistics and technical challenges to safely construct this innovative energy facility in the remote WA Goldfields region,” Harman said.

“We applaud Gold Fields for their vision in embarking on this journey with us, and their role in leading the Australian mining industry’s transition to clean, reliable renewable energy.”