Bechtel says that it will leverage its digital delivery methods to design, construct and commission the solar facility. Image: courtesy of Rio Tinto

This project 鈥� on one of the largest open-pit copper mines in the world 鈥� marks Bechtel鈥檚 first collaboration with Rio Tinto in the renewable energy sector.

When completed in late 2025, the Copperton Phase 2 Solar project will span 210 acres and generate 25MW of power from 71,000 bifacial solar modules. Bifacial solar modules enable both sides of the panels to absorb sunlight.

Bechtel says that it will leverage its digital delivery methods to design, construct and commission the facility, incorporating autonomous technologies to optimise project delivery. At peak, 100 local construction jobs are expected to be created on the project.

鈥淲e are pleased to build on our longstanding partnership with Rio Tinto by expanding into clean energy,鈥� said Scott Austin, Bechtel鈥檚 general manager of Renewables & Clean Power.

鈥淭his project demonstrates climate commitments in action, and we look forward to working together on this innovative renewable power solution.鈥�

The new solar plant will be located next to Kennecott鈥檚 existing 5MW solar plant. Together, the two solar plants will reduce Kennecott鈥檚 Scope 2 emissions by approximately 6%, or 21,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent every year, equivalent to removing around 5,000 gas-powered cars from the road.