PRESS RELEASE: Under the proposed amended terms of the PPA, Zenith will build, own and operate (BOO) a hybrid diesel/solar PV power station of approximately 26MW in installed capacity to reliably and efficiently service the power needs of the Nova operation.

The solar PV facility will complement the existing Nova diesel power station designed, owned, and operated by Zenith. The solar PV will include new state-of-the-art PV modules, single axis tracking, inverters, communications and control system technology.

The hybrid power station will incorporate high-efficiency diesel-fuelled generators and solar PV generation. The integrated solar PV facility is expected to have a supply commencement date from March quarter FY20, with an initial supply period of six years and an option for IGO to extend for a further two years, aligned with the existing PPA.

Zenith Energy's managing director Hamish Moffat said: "We are delighted to sign this PPA amendment with IGO, which again demonstrates Zenith Energy's ability to provide dynamic, innovative solutions for our clients in a safe, reliable, highly efficient and cost-effective manner.

"This development represents the first fully integrated commercial hybrid diesel/solar PV facility in Australia and is a step forward in future renewable energy solutions. We look forward to continuing our work with the team at IGO to deliver effective power supply solutions to their Nova operation."

IGO's managing director Peter Bradford commented: "At IGO we believe in the green energy future and are committed to renewable energy sources as we strive to reduce our carbon footprint. The development of this innovative hybrid energy solution will also improve our cost structure with targeted renewable power insertion of up to 50% of demand via the solar PV facility."

The Nova nickel-copper mine is located in the Fraser Range, approximately 160km east-northeast of Norseman, 360km south-east of Kalgoorlie and 380km from the port of Esperance in Western Australia.