Bechtel is proud to announce its selection by Rio Tinto to lead the design and construction of Copperton Phase 2 Solar, a significant renewable energy facility that will support operations at Rio Tinto’s Kennecott mine in Utah, one of the largest open-pit copper mines in the world. This project marks Bechtel’s first collaboration with Rio Tinto in the renewable energy sector and reinforces Rio Tinto’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The Copperton Phase 2 Solar project underscores both companies’ dedication to sustainable practices and the advancement of clean energy solutions in mining.
Solar panels at Kennecott. Courtesy of Rio Tinto.
“We are pleased to build on our longstanding partnership with Rio Tinto by expanding into clean energy,” said Scott Austin, Bechtel’s General Manager of Renewables & Clean Power. “This project demonstrates climate commitments in action, and we look forward to working together on this innovative renewable power solution.”
When completed in late 2025, the Copperton Phase 2 Solar project will span 210 acres and generate 25 MW of power from 71,000 highly efficient bifacial solar modules. Bifacial solar modules enable both sides of the panels to absorb sunlight. Additionally, Bechtel will leverage its proprietary and award-winning digital delivery methods to design, construct and commission the facility, incorporating autonomous technologies to optimize project delivery. At peak, 100 local construction jobs are expected to be created on the project.
“Expanding our solar farm is the latest step in our journey to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Rio Tinto Kennecott Managing Director Nate Foster. “Together with other measures we’ve 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 tons over the past few years. We’re demonstrating every day that sustainable practices and resource production can go hand-in-hand to benefit our company as well as our community.”
The new solar plant will be located next to Kennecott’s existing 5MW solar plant. Together, the two solar plants will reduce Kennecott’s Scope 2 emissions by approximately 6%, or 21,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent every year. This is equivalent to removing around 5,000 gas-powered cars from the road.
Learn more about how Bechtel is partnering on projects that power communities around the world at bechtel.com.
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto has committed to reducing its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030, on the way to net zero by 2050. While 72% of the electricity the company uses comes from renewable sources, its current focus is on replacing electricity generated from gas and coal with solutions like solar PV, wind, and other renewable technologies. This shift will significantly reduce emissions across its mines, processing plants, and supporting infrastructure, and enable lower generation costs than fossil fuel alternatives.
