project Specifics
Design consultancy for 1.7 MW solar farm and 22 kV substation
Australia’s first commercial diesel-displacement solar project, the Rio Tinto Weipa Solar Farm supplies low-emissions power to a remote mining operation. Stage 1 delivered 1.7 MW with an expected ~2,800 MWh/year. Planned expansion to 6.7 MW with storage targets savings of ~2.3 million litres of diesel/year and ~6,100 t CO₂/year.
Our Team provided specialist electrical design and protection engineering that underpinned reliable integration and future expandability.
About the Weipa Solar Farm
The Weipa Solar Farm provides renewable electricity to Rio Tinto’s bauxite mine, processing facilities, and the Weipa township on the western side of Cape York Peninsula, Queensland. In a remote, diesel-reliant context, the plant demonstrates the viability of large-scale renewable generation for mining operations and their communities, while setting a platform for staged growth with energy storage.
What We Delivered
Services:
- Primary design and layouts
- Switchyard materials selection
- Earthing & lightning protection design
- Protection scheme development
- Auxiliary power systems design
- Detailed drawings
- Protection relay settings
- Review of panel schematics and drawings prior to manufacture
Delivery Method:
- Design Consultant to the Constructor
Outcome
A safe, compliant and constructible design enabled successful delivery of Stage 1 and de-risked future storage and capacity upgrades. The solution reduces diesel use and emissions while improving supply reliability for the mine and township. Meeting the client’s objectives for performance, safety and sustainability.
A Welcon Project
This project was completed by our Welcon Team.
Since September 2024, Welcon Technologies has become part of SGA in a strategic move that leverages the strengths of both companies.
Welcon’s Team
