Rio Tinto Plans 360 MWh Thermal Energy Storage Project at Yarwun Alumina Refinery with Government Support

Published: Oct 22, 2026 17:16 (GMT+8)

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[SMM Aluminum Express News] Rio Tinto plans 360 MWh thermal energy storage project at Yarwun alumina refinery, securing up to A$75 million in government support. Rio Tinto announced on October 21 that it will conduct a feasibility study for a proposed industrial-scale thermal energy storage project at its Yarwun alumina refinery in Gladstone, Queensland, in partnership with US-based Rondo Energy. The project would install a 360 MWh heat battery with 30 MW thermal discharge capacity, using low-cost electricity to heat refractory bricks and generate high-pressure steam for alumina refining. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has committed A$3.6 million for the study, with up to A$38 million available for deployment and a further A$33.3 million in conditional support. If implemented, the system could supply approximately 5% of Yarwun's steam requirements and reduce the refinery's direct CO₂ emissions by around 67,000 mt/year, lowering its reliance on coal and natural gas. The feasibility study is expected to take approximately 12 months, with a final investment decision required before construction. The project represents a potential pathway to reducing energy costs and emissions in alumina refining, although no additional alumina production capacity is planned under the initiative.

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