Australia's Largest Aluminium Smelter Goes Renewable

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Australia's Largest Aluminium Smelter Goes Renewable

Australia's Aluminium Smelter to Run on Renewables

Australia's largest aluminium smelter, owned by Rio Tinto, is set to run entirely on renewable energy by 2023 after a $2.5 billion subsidy deal was struck with the federal and New South Wales governments.

The Deal

The deal, announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns, is for a 10-year below-market power supply guarantee that begins after the facility's existing coal-focused electricity contract with AGL ends in December 2028.

The move is expected to cut emissions and decarbonise the smelter, preventing a potential closure. The smelter, located near Newcastle, is one of the largest in the world and employs hundreds of people.

Benefits of the Deal

The deal is expected to have numerous benefits, including:

  • Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
  • Job security for hundreds of employees
  • A boost to the local economy
  • A significant step towards a more sustainable future

According to Rio Tinto, the deal is a major milestone in the company's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and transition to renewable energy.

Renewable Energy in Australia

Australia has been at the forefront of the transition to renewable energy, with numerous companies and governments investing heavily in solar and wind power.

For more information on the Australian government's renewable energy policies, visit the Australian Government Department of Energy website.

The deal is also expected to have a positive impact on the environment, with reduced emissions and a decrease in the smelter's carbon footprint.

What's Next?

The next steps for the smelter will be to transition to renewable energy, with the goal of being fully powered by renewables by 2023.

For more information on the latest developments in the energy sector, visit the Australian Energy Market Operator website.

The move to renewable energy is a significant step towards a more sustainable future, and Australia is leading the way.

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