From mines to megawatts: BMA’s renewable power move

BMA has reached an historic milestone – becoming the first Australian operation at BHP to have 100% of its forecasted electricity demand matched through renewable Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). 

Through its most recent PPA with Queensland’s publicly-owned energy generator and retailer CleanCo, BMA’s electricity demand is now backed by renewable energy sources including wind, solar and pumped hydro.  

This marks a major step forward in how we power our operations and demonstrates what lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions mining can look like at scale. 

This milestone represents actionable progress in BMA’s decarbonisation journey and supports BHP’s broader target to reduce operational GHG gas emissions (Scopes 1 and 2 emissions from its operated assets) by at least 30% by FY2030 (from FY2020 levels). BHP’s long-term goal is to achieve net zero net zero GHG emissions by CY2050. 

The agreement also highlights the power of collaboration. BMA’s partnership with CleanCo is helping bring new renewable projects online while supporting regional economic development.  

The renewable projects underpinning the latest PPA have created jobs during construction and are expected to support ongoing roles in regional Queensland. 

BMA Asset President Adam Lancey said the milestone reflects both progress and possibility. 

“This is a significant step forward in our operational decarbonisation journey and reflects the strength of our partnerships and the commitment of our teams,” he said.  

“I’m proud to support initiatives that deliver both environmental and regional benefits.” 

Standing at one of Queensland’s largest renewable energy projects - the MacIntyre Wind Farm, southwest of Warwick - it’s easy to see that impact brought to life. The scale of the project, and what it represents, is a powerful example of what partnerships like ours with CleanCo can deliver. 

This is a milestone the whole team can be proud of. From the people who made the agreements happen, to those supporting operations every day - it’s a shared achievement, and an important step toward a lower GHG emissions future. 

Take a moment to watch the video below to see the BMA and CleanCo partnership in action.