Pilbara Transmission Project

Project at a glance
Contact Details
Project Overview:
Fortescue Metals Group (Fortescue) is a global leader in the iron ore industry, recognised for its culture, innovation and industry-leading development of world class infrastructure and mining assets in the Pilbara, Western Australia.
Fortescue's Energy Strategy focusses on implementing innovative and practical solutions to reduce emissions and ensures that the use of gas and renewable energy sources are considered during the development and replacement of power stations.
In an effort to increase the connectivity of the Pilbara to drive efficient power use, Pilbara Energy Company, a subsidiary of Fortescue, plans to develop the Pilbara Transmission Project, a high voltage power transmission network
The Project aims to integrate Fortescue's iron ore mining and port operations in the Pilbara into one common 220kV network. This will enable Fortescue's existing Solomon Mine power station to supply power to Fortescue's $US2.6 billion Iron Bridge Magnetite Project, currently in development. It will also have the ability to expand and connect to other assets.
Pilbara Energy Company is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified contractors and suppliers for Project tendering opportunities on the Industry Capability Network (ICN) Gateway.
Scope Overview:
The Pilbara Transmission Project will require the establishment of:
- <400km high voltage transmission lines
- 5 high voltage substations
Construction will be broken into three (3) stages:
- Stage 1: Solomon to Iron Bridge
- 223km
- 220kV dual circuit
- 4 x 220kv terminal substations
- 2 x overhead fibre OPGW
- Stage 2: Lambda to Cloudbreak
- 78km
- 220kV single circuit
- 1 x overhead fibre OPGW
- Stage 3: North Star to Port Hedland
- 97km
- 220kV single circuit
- 1 x 220kv terminal substation
- 1 x overhead fibre OPGW
Indicative Timeline:
Procurement of poles, transmission lines, conductors and OPGW from November 2019.
Construction of earthworks and civils from early 2020.
Construction of transmission lines from early 2020.
Design and construction of substations from December 2019.
Practical Completion of Stage 1 by mid-2021.
Local and indigenous participation:
In line with Fortescue's commitment to supporting local Western Australian communities, requirements relating to the engagement of local and Indigenous vendors will be included in the selection criteria for Pilbara Transmission Project tendering opportunities.
FMG Solomon, a subsidiary of Fortescue Metals Group, will develop the Eliwana Project, following board approval in May 2018.
Fortescue Metals Group is a global leader in the iron ore industry, recognised for its unique culture, innovation and industry-leading development of world class infrastructure and mining assets in the Pilbara, Western Australia.
The Iron Bridge Magnetite Project (Project) is the development of a new magnetite mine (including processing and transport facilities) and associated infrastructure. Iron Bridge will deliver 22 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of high grade 67% Fe magnetite concentrate product.
The Pilbara Generation Project (Project) will enhance Fortescue's existing power generation capacity through the inclusion of 150MW of gas fired reciprocating engine-based power generation, together with 150MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) generation and 50MW of battery storage and will be constructed, owned and operated by Fortescue through its subsidiary Pilbara Energy (Generation) Pty Ltd.
RSGx have recently been awarded the construction and commissioning of the Kanyirri Substation. RSGx are seeking EOIs from qualified, competent suppliers and services providers who operate in the region to execute the following Services.
The Pilbara Transmission Project (Project) aims to integrate Fortescue's iron ore mining and port operations in the Pilbara to a common 220kV network.
The creation of this 220kV network and these Stage 4 works will enable Fortescue's existing Solomon Mine power station to supply power to Fortescue's Eliwana Mine (Eliwana).