News

Kenya-headquartered CrossBoundary Energy has entered into an early works agreement (EWA) as the preferred build-own-operate (BOO) provider of a new hybrid power station at Ausgold’s Katanning Gold Project in south-east Western Australia.

The hybrid gas-solar-battery facility will have a combined capacity of approximately 70 MW comprised of 50 MW solar generation capacity, a Battery Energy Storage System with capacity of 20.04 MW / 44.19 MWh, and supplemental LNG and diesel generators to provide baseload and emergency power.

This configuration is expected to supply around 42% of the project’s total power consumption using renewable sources.

With the agreement signed detailed engineering can start and deposits paid for selected long-lead equipment required for construction of the power facility.

In its latest quarterly report ASX-listed Ausgold said “The hybrid power solution is expected to provide a reliable, cost-effective and low-emissions power supply for the KGP while also supporting Ausgold's broader sustainability objectives”.

Ausgold considers the Katanning Gold Project will be a long-life, low-risk gold mining operation. A Definitive Feasibility Study released in June 2025 confirmed strong gold production and excellent financial returns.

The company is currently securing land access, project financing and implementation, with first production targeted for late 2027.

The mine site was originally developed and operated in the 1980s and 90s before being closed in 1997.

Tim Foster, Managing Director at CrossBoundary Energy, said, “This is more than an EWA: it is the foundation of a long-term partnership with Ausgold. We look forward to supporting the development of the Katanning Gold Project with a reliable hybrid power solution that will underpin production and deliver long-term value for years to come.”

CrossBoundary Energy’s previous Australian mining power experience includes a 2.4 MW solar farm at Norton Gold Fields’ Binduli North mine in Kalgoorlie, WA.

Commissioned in 2023, the solar PV array featured Cambridge Energy’s pre-fabricated tracker system, which comes fully assembled from the factory and folds open on site for quick deployment. The system has built in potential for expansion and adding a battery energy storage component.