Australian Fortescue Limited (ASX: FMG), an iron ore giant has unveiled plans for a massive 2.1-gigawatt (GW) wind farm in the Pilbara region of WA that aims to achieve net-zero operational emissions by 2030 and declare war on fossil fuels. The project, known as the East Pilbara Generation Hub, will include up to 200 wind turbines and a large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS), signaling a major step in green industrial revolution in renewable energy initiatives.
The renowned renewable energy mega-project, known as the East Pilbara Generation Hub, will power it’s operations with green energy and eliminate diesel and gas-fired generators. Once operational, the wind farm is expected to reduce annual carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) emissions at the Iron Bridge site by more than 1.5 million tonnes and will be a milestone in clean energy transition.
What’s in the fortescue 2.1-gw wind farm project plan?
The proposal, submitted by Pilbara Energy Generation Private Limited, has been submitted to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and will go through a seven-day public comment period, according to government filings.
Here is a snapshot of the proposed infrastructure:
- Nearly 200 wind turbines will be installed
- A 220-kilovolt (kV) transmission line will be installed
- Multiple substations and switchyards will be added
- A comprehensive battery energy storage system (BESS) will be installed
- The project will cover a total area of 2,318 hectares (about 5,728 acres) located nearly 40 kilometers southeast of Marble Bar
- Expects to receive environmental approval in late 2026
- After 42 months to construct startup around mid-2029
A clean break from fossil fuels
Fortescue’s commitment goes beyond just emissions reductions. It aims to achieve “virtually zero” Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, without the use of any carbon offsets. The company has already made headlines in the green energy world by announcing a 644-megawatt solar project near Port Hedland. It will put it on track to meet renewable energy target of generating 82% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
The project is a model for the world. Led by the executive chairman and billionaire founder Andrew Forrest, Fortescue is aggressively transforming itself from a traditional mining power plant to a leader in green industrialization. Company notes,
“The efficiency of the turbine equipment selected and the capacity of the wind farm can be increased,”
2025 Election Australia: clear message against fossil fuel use
Australia declared war on coal by pushing for renewable energy, which has led to the closure of many of the largest coal plants. This remarkable decision is the only one in the country where coal has been phased out and renewables have been installed. And it has had a significant impact on the country’s election this year. As it is now a net contributor to reducing global warming.
Climate change was a key issue in the election 2025, and a large bloc of voters are giving climate champions a preference at the ballot box. Three-quarters of millennials and Generation Z voters named climate change as a top voting issue in the 2025 election. And in the election, supported the progress already made by the first-term Labor (ALP) government and supported a renewable energy future.
Clean Energy Council chief executive Ken Thornton said the “Albanese government’s re-election provides a continuation of strong and effective policies that are crucial to strengthening new investment in clean energy, which will deliver lower electricity prices for all people.”
“The 2025 election was a clear vote for renewable energy. Australians have reiterated their strong support for wind and solar power, with batteries, pumped hydro and minimal gas use.”
— Ken Thornton
What’s next?
This project is not just about powering the mines – it’s about reshaping the future of energy industry, achieving net zero emissions by 2030, 00% renewable electricity grid by 2050, creating massive green jobs, reducing carbon emissions and accelerating the transition to renewable energy. As the global race to decarbonize intensifies, This renewed iron mining company’s wind-powered ambitions could become a blueprint for the global industrial sector.
The ambitious 2.1 gigawatt wind farm proposal marks a turning point in Australia’s clean energy journey, with Fortescue setting a global standard for industrial decarbonization, more than just a mining company turning to renewable energy.
