Risen Energy has expanded its ten-year renewable power purchasing agreement (PPA) for Merredin Solar Farm, aiming to reduce emissions from BHP Nickel West’s Kalgoorlie smelter.

The PPA expansion from 20MW to 50MW, with 30MW is expected to reduce the Scope 2 emissions of BHP Nickel West’s Kalgoorlie Smelter by 30%.

An initial 20MW will be directed to BHP Nickel West’s Kwinana Refinery and will cover up to 50% of its electricity use with solar power generated by Risen Energy’s Merredin Solar farm.

BHP Nickel West asset president Jessica Farrell says that increasing the offtake from 20 to 50% from Risen’s Merredin solar farm will help reduce our emissions from electricity use at the Kalgoorlie Nickel Smelter by 30%: “This is another example of the steps we are taking to reduce emissions across our operations – 30% by 2030 and net zero by 2050. Sustainable low carbon nickel is essential for our battery and electric vehicle customers.”

Risen Energy Australia managing director Eric Lee says: “We appreciate the trust BHP Nickel West has placed in us and Merredin Solar Farm and we are grateful for the opportunity to further provide clean energy for their operations.

“This collaboration demonstrates Risen’s position as an industry-leading solar energy solutions provider and it is also a significant step for us as we work towards establishing more clean energy collaborations with reputable organisations committed to Australia’s efforts to decarbonise.”