Bechtel Chosen by Rio Tinto to Lead Renewable Energy Project at Kennecott Mine

Bechtel is excited to announce that it has been selected by Rio Tinto to lead the design and construction of the Copperton Phase 2 Solar project, a pivotal renewable energy facility that will support operations at Rio Tinto’s Kennecott mine in Utah. The Kennecott mine is one of the largest open-pit copper mines in the world. This project represents Bechtel's first collaboration with Rio Tinto in the renewable energy sector and aligns with Rio Tinto’s ongoing commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The Copperton Phase 2 Solar project highlights the shared commitment of both companies to advancing sustainable practices and clean energy solutions in the mining industry.

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“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 cover 210 acres and generate 25 MW of power from 71,000 cutting-edge bifacial solar modules. Bifacial solar panels capture sunlight on both sides of the panel, enhancing efficiency. Bechtel will also utilize its proprietary and award-winning digital delivery methods to design, construct, and commission the facility, incorporating autonomous technologies to streamline the project’s timeline. The project is expected to create up to 100 local construction jobs at its peak.

“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 adjacent to Kennecott’s existing 5MW solar plant. Combined, these two facilities will reduce Kennecott’s Scope 2 emissions by approximately 6%, or about 21,000 tons of CO2 equivalent per year. This reduction is equivalent to removing roughly 5,000 gas-powered cars from the road annually.

Learn more about Bechtel’s global partnerships in powering communities at bechtel.com.

About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto has committed to cutting its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030, with a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Currently, 72% of the electricity the company uses is sourced from renewable energy. Rio Tinto’s focus is on replacing electricity generated by gas and coal with sustainable alternatives such as solar, wind, and other renewable technologies. This transition will significantly reduce emissions across its mining operations, processing plants, and infrastructure, while also reducing energy costs compared to fossil fuel alternatives.

About Bechtel

Bechtel is a trusted engineering, construction, and project management partner, serving both industry and government. Known for the quality of its people and its dedication to delivering successful project outcomes, Bechtel aligns its capabilities with customers’ goals to create a lasting, positive impact. Since 1898, Bechtel has completed more than 25,000 projects in 160 countries, spanning all seven continents, that have created jobs, stimulated economic growth, improved global infrastructure resilience, increased access to energy, and made the world a safer and cleaner place.

Bechtel serves the energy, infrastructure, manufacturing and technology, mining and metals, and nuclear, security, and environmental sectors, offering services from initial planning through to operations. www.bechtel.com