Turner River Solar Hub

Overview

The Proposal is for the construction and operation of a renewable energy solar generation hub to power Fortescue mining operations in the Pilbara region. It is located approximately 120 km south of Port Hedland and is within the Kariyarra Native Title determination area. 

The Proposal comprises the installation of solar panels and substation with an estimated total capacity of 644 MW and 220 kV transmission line spurs connecting the Proposal to Fortescue’s existing Pilbara Energy Connect (PEC) transmission system. The proposal also includes supporting infrastructure, and linear supporting infrastructure such as roads and corridors for overhead electrical reticulation. The proposal will be located within a development envelope of 1,416.6 ha and will disturb up to 1,108.2 ha of native vegetation. 

Electricity from the proposal will be exported to the Fortescue integrated electricity network by connecting into the PEC North Star Junction substation being constructed as part of the Pilbara Transmission Project. The PEC transmission infrastructure, however, is not a component of this referral

Why your views matter

At this initial stage of the EIA process, comment is simply sought on whether or not the EPA should assess a proposal and, if so, what level of assessment is considered appropriate.