This is the equivalent of taking about 28,000 cars off the road. Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Chris Salisbury said "The construction of our first solar plant in the Pilbara is a significant milestone for the business and an important step in reducing our carbon footprint in the region." "We are investigating additional renewable energy options in the Pilbara, as well as other opportunities to reduce emissions across our entire global portfolio, building on the 43% reduction in absolute greenhouse gas emissions since 2008." Rio Tinto is working to define new emissions reduction targets from 2020 as part of its transition to a lower carbon world.