Fortescue partners with BYD to decarbonize Pilbara mines

Australian mining giant Fortescue has achieved a key milestone in its ambitious decarbonization plan for its Pilbara operations, leveraging technology supplied by Chinese electric vehicle and battery leader BYD.

The company announced the delivery and installation of a 50 megawatt battery energy storage system (BESS) at its North Star Junction in Western Australia, with core technology provided by BYD.

The new system comprises 48 energy storage containers, all housing BYD's acclaimed Blade Battery technology. These units are equipped with liquid cooling systems, specifically engineered to ensure efficient and reliable operation in harsh, high-temperature conditions characteristic of the Pilbara region, it said.

The installation marks a significant win for BYD's global BESS division and highlights China's role in supplying the massive energy storage capacity required for global heavy industry decarbonization.

Yin Xueqin, general manager of BYD's Energy Storage and New Battery Business Division, underscored the partnership's importance.

"Fortescue is leading one of the industry's most ambitious decarbonization plans, and BYD is honored to support its green transition," Yin said.

"The North Star Junction BESS project is a significant milestone in our cooperation. We will continue to work closely with Fortescue to provide the large-scale storage solutions needed for Pilbara's decarbonization."

The 250 megawatt-hour of stored solar power will be delivered to Fortescue's Pilbara Energy Connect (PEC) network overnight, directly supporting the company's objective to eliminate its reliance on diesel and gas generators.

Fortescue Metals and Operations Chief Executive Officer Dino Otranto called the delivery a "big moment" for the company.

"We're fundamentally changing the way we power our mines. These systems let us store solar power and use it when we need it most, helping us cut diesel and gas and run our sites on renewable energy," Otranto said.