A Milestone in Mining Decarbonization
Australian mining giant BHP has strengthened its sustainability strategy through a landmark renewable energy agreement with Neoen, the Brookfield-owned renewable developer. The new deal, announced in September 2025, secures a baseload renewable electricity supply of 100 MW for BHP’s major copper operations in South Australia, including flagship sites such as Olympic Dam, Carrapateena, and Prominent Hill. This is BHP’s third renewable power arrangement and significantly advances its emissions reduction goals.
Powering Copper Mining with Wind and Battery Storage
The renewable electricity will be supplied from Neoen’s Goyder North wind project and a large-scale battery installation known as the Goyder battery. The initial phase of Goyder North is planned at 300 MW of wind capacity, supported by a battery rated at least 200 MW of power output and 800 MWh of energy storage. These projects are expected to scale up over time, with Goyder North ultimately capable of reaching 1 GW of wind capacity and the battery expanding to 900 MW / 3,600 MWh, positioning the Goyder region as Australia’s largest hybrid renewable energy hub.
BHP already benefits from 70 MW of renewable supply from Goyder South and the Blyth battery, which has been in operation since July 2025. Taken together, these agreements will enable BHP’s South Australian copper operations to source around 70% of their electricity from renewables by 2030, bringing the company closer to its target of reducing operational greenhouse gas emissions by 30% from a 2020 baseline.
Regional and Economic Impact
This baseload renewable contract is expected to create up to 550 construction jobs and around 20 permanent roles in regional South Australia, supporting both local economic growth and the energy transition. The projects also incorporate benefit-sharing initiatives for Indigenous communities and environmental stewardship programs, including the creation of a national park at Worlds End Gorge, catalyzed by Neoen’s earlier developments.
The broader Goyder Renewables Zone, which includes both Goyder South and Goyder North, is one of Australia’s most advanced renewable energy developments, integrating wind, solar, and battery storage technologies. As South Australia targets 100% net renewables by 2027, these assets will help provide reliable renewable electricity around the clock, supporting large industrial power users such as the mining sector.
Strategic Importance for Mining and the Energy Transition
BHP’s strategic shift toward renewable energy underscores the critical role of decarbonizing resource-intensive industries in the global energy transition. Copper—essential for electrification and clean energy technologies—sits at the core of BHP’s sustainable mining strategy. By integrating large-scale renewables, BHP not only reduces its carbon footprint but also strengthens the energy security of its operations, mitigating risks linked to fossil fuel dependence.
This approach is echoed by other major miners such as Rio Tinto, which have also signed large renewable power purchase agreements to future-proof their smelting activities. The success of Neoen in delivering tailored energy solutions highlights the growing viability of renewables combined with battery storage as dependable power sources for large industrial customers.
Leading by Example in the Green Energy Era
The new baseload renewable energy deal between BHP and Neoen represents a crucial step in decarbonizing one of Australia’s most energy-intensive industries. It demonstrates how large-scale mining operations can leverage innovative renewable projects to secure reliable, clean electricity while also creating regional employment and delivering community benefits. As global decarbonization efforts drive surging demand for copper, BHP’s renewable-energy commitments will be pivotal in shaping a more sustainable future for mining and advancing the broader energy transition.