Fortescue Unveils Australia’s Largest Wind Power Project to Decarbonise Mining

Mining heavyweight Fortescue has announced plans to build a massive 2.1-gigawatt (GW) wind farm and battery energy storage system (BESS) in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The project, if completed today, would become the largest wind farm in Australia, helping Fortescue achieve its goal of “real zero” emissions at its iron ore mining operations—eliminating fossil fuel use entirely for both power and terrestrial transport.

Fortescue is no stranger to renewables. It already draws power from solar installations like the 60 MW Chichester and 100 MW North Star solar farms. In 2024, it began construction on a 190 MW solar project at Cloudbreak and announced plans for a 660 MW solar farm at Turner River. The new wind project adds significant power to this growing renewable mix.

To complement clean energy generation, Fortescue has signed a $4 billion deal to electrify its mining fleet—replacing diesel-powered trucks, excavators, and bulldozers with electric models. These efforts are part of the broader East Pilbara Generation Hub (EPGH), a clean energy infrastructure plan that supports the company’s new Iron Bridge mine near Marble Bar.

The EPGH will feature around 200 wind turbines and five substations, covering roughly 2,318 hectares. Wind turbines will likely exceed 10 MW each—some of the most powerful in Australia—and be mounted on 290-metre-high Nabralift self-erecting towers. The wind farm will connect to Iron Bridge via a 220kV transmission line, replacing fossil fuel-based power generation.

Fortescue estimates the wind farm will slash emissions by at least 1.5 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent each year once it replaces diesel and gas generators at the mining site. While the accompanying battery system is still in early planning and lacks specific details, it will likely play a key role in balancing and storing the large volumes of wind power.

Pending environmental approvals, construction of the project could begin by late 2026 and take approximately 42 months to complete. That puts the wind farm’s expected operational date around 2029. Fortescue has also hinted that the 2.1 GW capacity could increase, depending on final turbine efficiency.

As industries across Australia aim for greener operations, Fortescue’s bold move sets a new benchmark in renewable integration. Large-scale clean energy hubs like EPGH can serve as a model for other resource-intensive sectors looking to decarbonise without sacrificing output.

As Australia moves toward a cleaner energy future, businesses and homeowners alike are exploring their renewable options. That’s where EServices4U comes in—offering expert consultancy in solar panel and windmill installation, energy-saving solutions, and bill audits. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, www.eservices4u.com.au can help you harness clean energy effectively and affordably.