APA’s strategy is to be the partner of choice in delivering infrastructure for the energy transition. Our focus is providing reliable and affordable energy solutions that help the resources sector meet its decarbonisation objectives. In the remote grid market, we aim to deliver this through bundled energy solutions – that is, renewables supported by batteries and gas-powered generation, and connected with electricity transmission.
However, increasing renewables into the system does have some challenges, particularly around system strength and stability. Investment in Battery Energy Storage Systems and other systems will also be needed to maintain grid reliability. Regulatory reform must also keep pace, providing investment certainty while allowing projects to progress efficiently.
E&M: What role does natural gas play in the Pilbara Energy Transition Plan?
E&M: How is collaboration between industry and government?
DR: Natural gas is critical in supporting renewables and will play a key role in ensuring stability when renewable generation is low, stepping in when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing. Miners in the Pilbara are committed to their decarbonisation targets and remain focused on reducing their reliance on natural gas and diesel through renewables. However, with the intermittency of renewable generation, there is a continuous change in the generation mix between solar, batteries and thermal generation. This requires capability in being able to manage a combination of energy, including gas, to meet the ever-changing requirements of the thermal generators. It’s a delicate balance from not only minute to minute but hour to hour, day to day and seasonally. APA has a demonstrable track record of developing, delivering and, most importantly, integrating renewables and battery systems with its existing thermal assets to provide competitively priced, firmed renewable energy products to customers with ambitious carbon objectives. As electricity demand grows due to increased activity and electrification, miners will continue to require firm and reliable energy. By balancing intermittent renewable supply, gas will provide the flexibility needed to support the Pilbara’s energy transition, ensuring continuous and secure power for industry.
DR: The WA Government has convened key forums, including the Pilbara Roundtable, Industry Liaison Committee, and Aboriginal Working Group, to facilitate engagement and stakeholder input. These discussions are constructive and designed to help shape policy outcomes and address concerns. To ensure projects align with state objectives, the government has introduced the Priority Project Assessment, which evaluates proposals based on decarbonisation potential, and infrastructure viability. Industry support for this initiative continues to grow, fostering stronger collaboration between business and government.
E&M: What infrastructure is needed to enable renewables integration?
DR: The decarbonisation outlook for the Pilbara is expected to facilitate considerable growth in renewables – backed by gas firming. By 2050 – we’re expecting renewable demand in the Pilbara to grow by about 40 times the demand today. That equates to about $15 billion in opportunities. To support the build-out of renewables, higher-voltage electricity transmission infrastructure is required to transport large amounts of renewable energy across the Pilbara. Upgrading existing infrastructure and expanding transmission networks will be essential to integrating renewable generation with mining operations.
Supporting the transition to a decarbonised mining fleet The journey to decarbonisation in mining is a complex challenge, demanding a thorough analysis of operational impacts, cost considerations, scheduling, and the trade-oos between diierent options. Success lies in integrating innovative technologies, optimising energy systems, and fostering collaboration across the industry to develop practical, scalable solutions. At GHD, we partner with our clients to navigate these challenges and support their transition to low-carbon operations, driving both sustainability and efficiency across the mining sector.
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