Solar Power

Solar power is used for heating, ventilation, lighting and transportation. There are over 700GW of solar installed across the globe, generating electricity for homes and at scale to feed into electricity grids.

At Fortescue, we aim to develop solar power resources to support the establishment of renewable energy and green product industries around the world.

We can drive these industries, powering the global economies and helping to create jobs as we transition away from fossil fuels.

We know there will be many key markets for green hydrogen in the coming decade and by building on our existing supply chain capabilities and market access, we see an exciting opportunity for us to be at the forefront of developing an export market for green hydrogen.

How is solar power used to make green hydrogen and green ammonia?

Using solar photovoltaic (PV) cells, energy is converted directly into electricity using a semiconductor cell like those commonly seen on the roof of a home, or as part of a large scale solar farm.

 

With solar thermal, solar radiation is converted into thermal energy, or heat. This heat is easily stored so it can be dispatched to create steam generating electricity when its needed.

 

With solar thermal, solar radiation is converted into thermal energy, or heat. This heat is easily stored so it can be dispatched to create steam generating electricity when its needed.

Both methods of generating solar power create direct current (DC) electricity and a device called an inverter transforms it into alternating current (AC) electricity.

This electrical energy is transferred to a transformer and substation where its voltage is increased, allowing it to be sent via transmission to power the processes behind green hydrogen and green ammonia.

 

Safety

Fortescue’s solar power infrastructure will follow the principal of inherently safe design; ensuring hazards are eliminated wherever possible, reduced through substitution or controlled through engineering solutions.

Designed and manufactured to international safety standards, modern solar PV cells are increasingly efficient in generating electricity. Modern PV systems have safety features built in, and the panels themselves are durable and require minimal maintenance.