Bechtel has been selected by Rio Tinto to design and build the Copperton Phase 2 Solar project, which will support operations at Rio Tinto’s Kennecott open-pit copper mine in Utah.
Solar panels at the first solar project outside the copper mine in Utah. Credit: Rio Tinto
“We are pleased to build on our long-standing partnership with Rio Tinto by expanding into clean energy,” said Scott Austin, Bechtel General Manager Renewables & Clean Power. “This project demonstrates climate commitments in action, and we look forward to working together on this innovative renewable energy solution.”
When completed in late 2025, the Copperton Phase 2 Solar project will cover 210 hectares and generate 25 MW of power from dual-sided solar panels. At peak, the project is expected to create 100 local construction jobs.
“Expanding our solar farm is the latest step in our journey to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Nate Foster, Managing Director of Kennecott at Rio Tinto. “Together with other measures we have taken, such as closing a coal-fired power plant, deploying battery electric vehicles underground and our recent transition to renewable diesel, we have reduced our emissions by millions of tonnes in recent years. We demonstrate every day that sustainable practices and resource production can go hand in hand and benefit both our company and our community.”
The new solar power plant will be located next to Kennecott’s existing 5 MW solar power plant. Together, the two solar power plants will reduce Kennecott’s Scope 2 emissions by approximately 6%, or 21,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year.
News item from Bechtel