Fortescue is assessing potential renewable energy generation sites as part of a commitment to decarbonise its mining operations in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.  One of the sites under consideration is the Eastern Pilbara Generation Hub (EPGH).  If developed the EPGH will comprise of wind turbines, transmission lines, supporting infrastructure and substations to facilitate energy transfer from the wind farm to Fortescue’s mining operations.

FVC was commissioned to undertake five phases of detailed flora and vegetation assessment and targeted flora surveys in accordance with EPA technical guidelines to inform the environmental approvals process.  The assessments were conducted between 2022 and 2024, across the study area of more than 100,000 hectares, located between the vicinity of Marble Bar and Fortescue’s Iron Bridge project.

The challenges of surveying an enormous area in the rugged Pilbara were overcome by careful planning, helicopter access, mobilising large teams over multiple surveys, and ensuring suitably qualified and experienced specialists contributed to all stages of the work.  The comprehensive survey results formed the basis for impact assessment and approvals for the green energy development.