Story perspectives

BHP Pauses Pilbara Renewable Projects, Extends Diesel Use

5/26/2026

Summary

**BHP Halts Renewables**

BHP halted its Pilbara solar-farm and battery project.
The 50-MW Jimblebar solar farm, its 20-MW battery and a near-500-MW solar-wind-battery scheme all lack funding and will not progress before 2031.
BHP cancelled an iron-ore plant that would have cut 1.7 million tonnes of emissions annually.
May 2025 memos said renewable urgency had faded.
BHP spent $500 million on diesel trucks for Jimblebar, extending diesel use into the late 2030s.

Summary

**BHP Funds Cuts**

BHP will spend US$60 million in 2024-25 on cuts and partnered with 11 steel producers covering 22 % of output.
Australia’s safeguard mechanism forces polluters to cut emissions intensity by 4.9 % annually.
China’s emissions trading scheme now includes steel, raising demand for iron as the EU carbon-border adjustment lifts costs for Chinese steel, boosting Australian ore demand.
Prof. Nedopil warned Pilbara beneficiation could strain scarce water and create tailings, needing management.

Summary

**BHP Secures Credits**

BHP received $622 million in fuel tax credits for diesel while using 1.23 billion litres in FY 2025.
BHP backed a Minerals Council campaign to prevent limiting fuel-tax-credit rebates to $50 million per company, Tim Buckley says.
Internal files reveal BHP approved 62 new diesel trucks for Jimblebar at over $500 million, citing cost reduction.
Fortescue ordered 360 battery-electric haul trucks from Liebherr and XCMG and is moving ahead with Pilbara wind-solar-battery power.

1 of 3

**BHP Halts Renewables**

BHP halted its Pilbara solar-farm and battery project.
The 50-MW Jimblebar solar farm, its 20-MW battery and a near-500-MW solar-wind-battery scheme all lack funding and will not progress before 2031.
BHP cancelled an iron-ore plant that would have cut 1.7 million tonnes of emissions annually.
May 2025 memos said renewable urgency had faded.
BHP spent $500 million on diesel trucks for Jimblebar, extending diesel use into the late 2030s.

1 / 3