Fortescue has initiated construction on its Nullagine wind project, marking its first wind energy development. This project is set to feature "self-lifting" towers and the most powerful turbines yet deployed in Australia.
Project Details
- The Nullagine wind project has a capacity of 133 megawatts (MW).
- It will incorporate 17 turbines.
- The project utilizes "self-lifting" technology developed by Spain’s Nabrawind, a company acquired by Fortescue last year.
- 7.8 MW turbines, provided by Envision, represent Fortescue's largest turbine deal in Australia to date.
Decarbonization Strategy
The construction of this wind project is a component of Fortescue's broader plan to develop multiple gigawatts of large-scale wind and solar power, along with up to 5 gigawatt-hours of battery storage. This initiative aims to make its iron ore mines in the Pilbara region fossil fuel-free by 2030. The strategy also includes the electrification of the mines’ entire fleet of haul trucks, other vehicles, bulldozers, and excavators.
Fortescue is concurrently building its 190 MW Cloudbreak solar farm, where over 300,000 panels have been installed.
Technology and Innovation
The Nabrawind self-lifting technology is considered by Fortescue to reduce concrete requirements for foundations, enable access to higher wind speeds, and lessen logistical complexities by needing smaller cranes. The turbines are engineered for low-wind environments and designed to withstand extreme weather, including cyclones.
The Nullagine turbines will feature a hub height of 188 meters, which Fortescue states sets a new global benchmark for onshore wind, intended to unlock significantly higher energy yield. The blades will be 89 meters long. A prototype of this Nabrawind-integrated turbine has been installed at an Envision testing facility in China and is scheduled for relocation to the Pilbara by June 2026.
Leadership Statements
Fortescue CEO Dino Otranto stated that achieving "Real Zero" requires replacing diesel and gas with reliable, industrial-scale renewable energy. He noted that wind, alongside solar and batteries, provides the dependable, low-cost power needed to electrify the company's operations across the Pilbara. Otranto added that the Nullagine Wind Project will integrate into Pilbara Energy Connect, aiming to strengthen supply by balancing daytime solar generation with night-time and seasonal wind generation.
Future Plans and Industry Impact
Fortescue intends to construct up to 3 gigawatts of wind, solar, and battery storage across the Pilbara by 2030 to achieve its goal of "real zero" emissions for terrestrial use at its iron ore mines. The company has already deployed electric excavators and is trialing electric haul trucks. Fortescue recently announced the acquisition of a US-based battery controls specialist to enhance its grid-scale and mobile battery operations.
A significant portion of the planned wind capacity is expected to be built around Nullagine, which serves as the initial phase and testing ground for the adjoining Bonney Downs wind project, potentially reaching up to 2 gigawatts with 200 turbines. The company is also exploring additional capacity at its East Pilbara Renewable Hub.
The 7.8 MW turbines from Envision will surpass the 7.2 MW Vestas turbines announced for Tilt Renewables' Palmer wind project in South Australia. The Nullagine project is one of five wind projects that have recently reached a final investment decision in Australia, ending a period of limited investment in the wind industry.