Calidus bringing solar to Warrawoona

Zenith is currently constructing an 11MW gas-fired power station at Warrawoona under a power purchase agreement (PPA), which sees the solar farm as a component where Calidus purchases power from Zenith.

Calidus managing director Dave Reeves said the decision to proceed with the solar farm and battery storage was in line with the company’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives.

“Calidus is committed to carbon reduction as part of its ESG policy,” Reeves said.

‘This renewable microgrid is a cornerstone to our carbon reduction plan which includes the use of LNG, not diesel, and the ability of the LNG gensets to use up to 25 per cent hydrogen.

“We are pleased to extend the relationship with Zenith to incorporate this renewables project and look forward to its construction in the second half of this year.”

The solar farm will be constructed in the second half of 2022 and will feed into the distribution line between the power station and accommodation village.

In early 2021, Calidus commenced construction of the Warrawoona gold project, following receipt of regulatory approvals and completion of financing.

Calidus is on track to become Australia’s next gold producer in the June quarter of 2022.

Warrawoona is forecast to produce up to 105,000 ounces of gold per year, which is expected to increase to 139,000 ounces when its Blue Spec gold deposit, located 70 kilometres away, is developed.