Pilbara Archives - Energy Source & Distribution https://esdnews.com.au/tag/pilbara/ Tue, 13 Aug 2024 00:33:35 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1 Plans progress on Pilbara’s first major transmission line https://esdnews.com.au/plans-progress-on-pilbaras-first-major-transmission-line/ Tue, 13 Aug 2024 00:33:35 +0000 https://esdnews.com.au/?p=43460 The Western Australian Government says plans are progressing on the development of the Pilbara’s first major transmission line to deliver clean electricity to the Burrup Peninsula. Plans are progressing for […]

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The Western Australian Government says plans are progressing on the development of the Pilbara’s first major transmission line to deliver clean electricity to the Burrup Peninsula.

Plans are progressing for the delivery of a new high-capacity common use transmission line to link renewable energy generation in the Maitland Strategic Industrial Area with Karratha and major Pilbara industry players.

Related article: Rio Tinto reveals plans for 80MW solar farm in Pilbara

Traditional Owners, the Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation, and Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation—who have formed an alliance for the project that is part of a working group with the state government—are continuing to work alongside Perdaman, Woodside, and Yara Pilbara on the groundbreaking development.

The project has the potential to be the first in the state to attract concessional finance from the Commonwealth’s Rewiring the Nation fund, up to $3 billion of which has been allocated to WA.

It is anticipated the Maitland-Karratha-Burrup line will provide the template for future common use renewable infrastructure to support the region’s decarbonisation.

Western Australian Premier Roger Cook said, “Development of the planned Maitland-Karratha-Burrup line represents the first major step in decarbonising the Pilbara and will help drive my Government’s plans to make WA a green energy powerhouse.

Related article: GHD named engineer for WA’s Pilbara Green Link

“This project has strong potential to unlock additional job-creating opportunities on the Burrup Peninsula, while meeting growing demand for clean, reliable energy.

“With support for Traditional Owners and industry, this project has strong potential to create quality local jobs, build better regions and deliver economic growth that benefits all Western Australians.”

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Rio Tinto reveals plans for 80MW solar farm in Pilbara https://esdnews.com.au/rio-tinto-reveals-plans-for-80mw-solar-farm-in-pilbara/ Tue, 16 Jul 2024 23:49:56 +0000 https://esdnews.com.au/?p=43138 Mining giant Rio Tinto and Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation (NAC) will pursue the development of an 80MW solar farm on Ngarluma Country, near Karratha, to supply renewable energy to the company’s […]

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Mining giant Rio Tinto and Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation (NAC) will pursue the development of an 80MW solar farm on Ngarluma Country, near Karratha, to supply renewable energy to the company’s iron ore operations in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.

The solar farm is the first proposed project the Ngarluma people and Rio Tinto will pursue after a memorandum of understanding was signed to explore opportunities for renewable energy projects on Ngarluma Country.

The project is expected to be located next to Rio Tinto’s existing Yurralyi Maya Power Station near Karratha.

Related article: Rio Tinto to build two solar farms in the Northern Territory

This project has the potential to displace up to 11% of natural gas currently used for generation across Rio Tinto’s integrated mining operations in the Pilbara, reducing Rio Tinto’s emissions by up to 120kT CO2e per year once complete.

A feasibility study is expected to be completed in early 2025, with commissioning in 2027, subject to relevant approvals and final investment decision.

It is estimated that 600MW to 700MW of renewable energy will be required by 2030 to displace the majority of gas use across Rio Tinto’s Pilbara power network, while additional renewable energy will be required to support widespread fleet electrification, which is expected after 2030.

Rio Tinto managing director rail, port and core services Richard Cohen said, “We’re incredibly proud to progress this project along with the Ngarluma people and are grateful for their effort and support to reach this important milestone.

“Developments like this are about more than reducing emissions—they’re critical for economic opportunities and strengthening our connection with the Ngarluma People.

“This project underscores the significance of our long-term relationship with the Ngarluma people and demonstrates our commitment to working together to contribute to a more sustainable future.”

Related article: Rio Tinto, Windlab ink Australia’s largest renewables PPA

Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation CEO Ljuba Mojovic said, “We’re fortunate to embark on our first renewable energy project with Rio Tinto to reduce emissions and to create economic opportunities for the Ngarluma People.

“The solar farm project will enable NAC to realise sustainable revenues, increase contracting opportunities and contribute to a positive environmental impact in the Pilbara.

“This project development is a testament to the enduring strength of our special relationship with Rio Tinto and our shared commitment to working together to create a more sustainable future.”

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WA’s Green Energy Approvals Initiative ticks first project https://esdnews.com.au/was-green-energy-approvals-initiative-ticks-first-project/ Mon, 17 Jun 2024 02:56:24 +0000 https://esdnews.com.au/?p=42779 Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation (YEC) has received environmental approval for the first of several proposals totalling 3GW of clean energy as part of the Western Australian Government’s Green Energy Approvals Initiative. […]

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Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation (YEC) has received environmental approval for the first of several proposals totalling 3GW of clean energy as part of the Western Australian Government’s Green Energy Approvals Initiative.

In partnership with ACEN Australia, YEC received environmental approval for its first solar project of up to 150MW located within a 13,000sq km area in the Pilbara covered by the Yindjibarndi Native Title Determination Area.

Related article: Alinga’s Ruby Heard on equity through energy

Led by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation’s green energy directorate, the state government has worked across multiple agencies to ensure the most efficient approvals pathway for this proposal, as well as a significant number of renewable energy projects being pursued in WA.

YEC’s projects will total three gigawatts of solar, wind and storage capacity and, if successful, could become one of Australia’s largest renewable energy developments.

It could also play a significant role decarbonising WA, creating sustainable, long-term training and employment opportunities for Aboriginal Australians, and supporting renewable energy uptake by industry in the Pilbara.

The Green Energy Approvals Initiative is delivering coordinated, cross-Government support for proponents and investors.

Now fully operational, the initiative is driving investment in wind and solar power generation, renewable hydrogen industries, lithium mining, and critical minerals processing, as well as the manufacturing of batteries, electrolysers, solar panels, and wind turbines.

Climate Action Minister Reece Whitby said, “I want to see Western Australia become a renewable energy powerhouse, so it is critical we cut red tape and get clean energy projects online without unnecessary delays.

Related article: New First Nations engagement guide for renewables industry

“Yindjibarndi’s proposals are exactly what our Government wants to see more of in WA.

“With the potential to decarbonise our State’s energy systems, create On Country jobs for Aboriginal Australians, and support renewable energy uptake by industry in the Pilbara, I look forward to seeing Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation’s proposals come to fruition.”

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Governments announce joint funds for Pilbara Hydrogen Hub https://esdnews.com.au/governments-announce-joint-funding-for-pilbara-hydrogen-hub/ Mon, 19 Feb 2024 23:07:22 +0000 https://esdnews.com.au/?p=41475 The Commonwealth and Western Australian Governments have finalised a $140 million agreement to build a hydrogen hub in the Pilbara. The Pilbara Hydrogen Hub will be a major centre for […]

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The Commonwealth and Western Australian Governments have finalised a $140 million agreement to build a hydrogen hub in the Pilbara.

The Pilbara Hydrogen Hub will be a major centre for hydrogen production and export, with the potential to become an international gateway to Australian-made green steel and iron.

Construction on the road and intersection will start this year, with the hub becoming operational in mid-2028. A planned pipeline could enable hydrogen production of around 492,000 tonnes per year—enough to decarbonise existing ammonia production on the Burrup Peninsula.

Related article: New prize to spur Aussie innovation in hydrogen

The combined $140 million investment ($70 million each from the Commonwealth and WA Government) will help build infrastructure to support hydrogen exports and renewable energy production, as well as fund activities for a Clean Energy Training and Research Institute.

The institute will provide practical, job-focused training in renewable energy and hydrogen for Pilbara residents, including First Nations peoples.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the hub would ensure the Pilbara’s future as a major energy producer and exporter.

“This hub will bring a new clean energy industry to the Pilbara, supporting the region’s world-class industries well into the future,” Minister Bowen said.

“WA is already a global mining and export powerhouse, and it’s now primed to become a world-leading hydrogen supplier as well.”

The announcement was welcomed by Australian Hydrogen Council CEO Dr Fiona Simon.

“These hub projects are being led by world-leading developers and partners, and will need continued support from all levels of government to address common user infrastructure, social licence and regulatory requirements,” Dr Simon said.

“Hydrogen has a clear role to play in meeting Australia’s net zero ambitions especially for the hard-to-abate sectors, so we now need to focus on implementation and continue to share and learn from these large-scale projects to accelerate the transition and drive down the cost of hydrogen.

Related article: Edify gets $48M funding for Townsville Green Hydrogen Hub

The seven hydrogen hubs being funded by the Australian Government include:

  1. Hunter Valley Hydrogen Hub, NSW—Origin Energy in collaboration with Orica
  2. Port Bonython Hydrogen Hub, SA—SA Government
  3. Central Queensland Hydrogen Hub, QLD—Stanwell with Iwatani Corporation, Kansai Electric Power Company, Marubeni, and Keppel Infrastructure.
  4. H2Kwinana Hydrogen Hub—bp Australia
  5. Bell Bay Hydrogen Hub—TAS Government with partners TasPorts, TasNetworks, TasWater, TasIrrigation and the Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone
  6. Townsville Regional Hydrogen Hub, QLD—Edify Energy with partners Siemens Energy, TAFE Queensland, James Cook University and Townsville Enterprise (TEL)
  7. Pilbara Hydrogen Hub, WA—WA Government

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Rio Tinto and Yindjibarndi Energy ink Pilbara deal https://esdnews.com.au/rio-tinto-and-yindjibarndi-energy-ink-pilbara-deal/ Mon, 23 Oct 2023 23:52:37 +0000 https://esdnews.com.au/?p=40341 Rio Tinto and Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation (YEC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore opportunities to collaborate on renewable energy projects on Yindjibarndi country in Western Australia’s Pilbara […]

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Rio Tinto and Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation (YEC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore opportunities to collaborate on renewable energy projects on Yindjibarndi country in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.

Rio Tinto and YEC will study and evaluate a range of opportunities including wind and solar power as well as battery energy storage systems. The initial focus is on rapidly exploring the potential development of a solar power generation facility for the supply of energy to Rio Tinto.

Related article: Why renewables industry must partner with First Nations

Rio Tinto operates four gas-fired power stations in the Pilbara. About 600MW to 700MW of renewable generation is estimated to be required to displace the majority of gas use across its network. The company is currently assessing the development of approximately 300MW of solar projects. The collaboration opportunities currently being explored by Rio Tinto and YEC if progressed, would be complementary to renewable energy developments on Rio Tinto Iron Ore’s electricity grid.

YEC was established in June following an agreement between Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC) and renewable energy developer ACEN Corporation (ACEN) to progress the development of major renewable energy projects on Yindjibarndi Ngurra (country) – an area covering approximately 13,000km2 within the Yindjibarndi Native Title Determination Areas.

YEC’s initial plans include a Stage 1 target of 750MW of combined wind, solar, and battery storage with construction to commence within the next few years. The collaboration opportunities being considered by Rio Tinto and YEC relate to some of these Stage 1 projects.

YAC CEO Michael Woodley said, “Yindjibarndi Ngurra is ideally suited to developing renewable energy generation and our people are encouraged by Rio Tinto’s interest in building this capacity with us.

“This will strengthen our existing partnership and provide long term benefits for our community, while also ensuring that we can protect and preserve the areas of cultural, spiritual and environmental significance within our Ngurra.”

ACEN International CEO Patrice Clausse said, “This MOU signifies more than just a partnership; it’s a testament to the shared vision of sustainable energy development on Yindjibarndi Ngurra.

Related article: ENGIE and POSCO partner on Pilbara green hydrogen project

“It is the perfect blend of traditional significance and modern technology, designed to harness the limitless potential of the Pilbara’s sun and wind, while respecting the deep-rooted connection of the Yindjibarndi people with their land.

“Together, we are crafting an energy future that is not only renewable, but also renewing, by empowering local communities and contributing to a greener future.”

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Why renewables industry must partner with First Nations https://esdnews.com.au/why-renewables-industry-must-partner-with-first-nations-people/ Mon, 16 Oct 2023 01:35:07 +0000 https://esdnews.com.au/?p=40252 As a First Nations-led renewables profit-for-purpose company, Pilbara Solar has done the hard yards working its way from medium- to large-scale renewable energy development in Western Australia. Related article: Many First […]

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As a First Nations-led renewables profit-for-purpose company, Pilbara Solar has done the hard yards working its way from medium- to large-scale renewable energy development in Western Australia.

Related article: Many First Nations communities swelter without power. Why isn’t there solar on every rooftop?

Managing director Kylie Chalmers presented at Pilbara 2023 on 9 October in the “First Nations and Traditional Owner Engagement” segment of the summit to attendees from various industries, government agencies, Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs), and energy companies—the common message of the summit was everyone’s contribution to Australia’s carbon neutral 2030 goal.

At the end of her speech, Chalmers shared a powerful message.

“The way forward is for everyone to work collaboratively together to share the big ideas and share the learnings because we don’t really have the time to not get it right, we need to get it right for the First Nations partners and for the world if we are going to make a real difference by 2030,” she said.

Chalmers mentioned the enormous economic opportunity for Western Australia and for First Nations people but to move quickly to meet the 2030 target, businesses must partner with First Nations people.

“Having walked the walk, there is so much to learn and there are so many complexities, if anyone can learn from the process that we (Pilbara Solar), have already been on, we are happy to share it,” she said.

Pilbara Solar works with First Nations people to develop projects to an “investment-ready” stage and services industry to support development work with the expertise of land studies, First Nations engagement, project ownership models strategic development pathways, native title, and more, under their belt. This puts Pilbara Solar in the unique position to support industry to develop renewables and to support First Nations people to lead renewable projects on their Country.

Chalmers highlighted the numerous benefits First Nation communities receive when they get the opportunity to lead renewable projects.

“The benefits are huge because the wealth generated stays local and gives back to the communities creating more jobs, training, and more business opportunities. The best land in Australia for large projects is mostly Native Title land. Rapid large-scale rollout of projects, which are also socially sustainable, can only be achieved in partnership with First Nations people so it is in everyone’s best interest to enable First Nations partnerships,” she said.

It’s a busy future for Pilbara Solar servicing both industry and First Nations people with several projects in construction and development next year. At the summit, Chalmers spoke of the 10MW Junja Solar Farm, which is a demonstration project that supports a new industry standard that is Aboriginal led with commercial partnerships—a first utility scale solar farm and Independent Power Producer on the North West Interconnected System (NWIS).

Related article: Transgrid partners with First Nations group on biodiversity

With a number of projects in the pipeline supporting First Nations and industries working together, and Pilbara Solar as developer or providing services, Pilbara Solar is leading the way assisting First Nations people and industry to develop renewable projects together that is socially, economically and environmentally sustainable.

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ENGIE and POSCO partner on Pilbara green hydrogen project https://esdnews.com.au/engie-and-posco-partner-on-pilbara-green-hydrogen-project/ Sun, 15 Oct 2023 23:46:18 +0000 https://esdnews.com.au/?p=40244 ENGIE and POSCO Holdings have signed an agreement to conduct a pre-feasibility study for a flagship green hydrogen project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The project will supply […]

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ENGIE and POSCO Holdings have signed an agreement to conduct a pre-feasibility study for a flagship green hydrogen project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

The project will supply green hydrogen to POSCO Group’s proposed Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI) plant for the production of green iron in Port Hedland, with the potential to supply green fuel to South Korea to decarbonise POSCO’s existing assets.

Related article: South Australia flaunts green hydrogen capabilities in the US

The study will support and refine the development plans for inland renewable energy sites in the Pilbara, including wind and solar generation, a hydrogen electrolyser, large-scale storage capability and pipeline capable of delivering green hydrogen to POSCO Group’s HBI plant, once operational.

ENGIE Australia & New Zealand CEO Rik De Buyserie said the study was an important first step in extending ENGIE’s hydrogen activities in Australia and signals the start of the ENGIE Group involvement in an emerging sector of the energy market.

“ENGIE is committed to accelerating the transition to a carbon-neutral economy. Developing green hydrogen as a feedstock to reduce heavy manufacturing emissions is key to helping our partners to achieve their sustainability goals,” he said.

“Business and the community in the Pilbara can see the opportunities and benefits to decarbonising. This also means more jobs in new industries and providing a boost in economic activity across the region in the short and long term.

“Australia is a market where ENGIE is actively looking to grow its hydrogen operations, and we’re optimistic that this study will help us progress a second significant hydrogen development in the Pilbara, to help achieve the net zero goals of another hard-to-abate industry.”

Related article: Pilbara to get Australia’s first large-scale hydrogen plant

POSCO aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, through adopting hydrogen reduction processes in iron and steel making. The POSCO Port Hedland Green Steel (PHGS) project plans to secure low-carbon iron and steel by reducing iron ore through Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) technology and Hot Briquetted Iron) production. The produced green hydrogen will be utilised as a reducing agent under this process.

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Yokogawa to supply EMS for Yuri Green Hydrogen Project https://esdnews.com.au/yokogawa-to-supply-ems-for-yuri-green-hydrogen-project/ Wed, 06 Sep 2023 01:08:47 +0000 https://esdnews.com.au/?p=39823 Yokogawa Australia has been selected to provide the energy management system (EMS) for the initial phase of the Yuri Green Hydrogen Project in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. The project is […]

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Yokogawa Australia has been selected to provide the energy management system (EMS) for the initial phase of the Yuri Green Hydrogen Project in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.

The project is being undertaken by Yuri Operations, a joint venture between ENGIE Renewables Australia and Mitsui & Co.

Related article: Pilbara to get Australia’s first large-scale hydrogen plant

The Yuri project will consist of an 18MW solar power plant, an 8MW battery energy storage system (BESS), and a 10MW hydrogen electrolyser. Using carbon-free solar energy, this facility will be able to produce up to 640 tons of green hydrogen per year. The hydrogen will be used as a feedstock to produce green ammonia at an adjacent ammonia plant operated by Yara Pilbara Fertiliser (YPF). YPF is a wholly owned subsidiary of Yara International ASA, which is one of the world’s largest producers of nitrogen-based mineral fertilisers.

For the control of the solar power plant, BESS, and electrolyser, Yokogawa Australia will supply an EMS that is developed by Yokogawa Group company PXiSE Energy Solutions. This EMS will be combined with an integrated control system (ICS) centering on the Collaborative Information Server solution that Yokogawa will also be providing for phase 0 of this project, under a separate contract.

Once these systems are installed and integrated, the Yuri facility’s renewable energy production will be autonomously managed to ensure consistent stability and power quality based on the operating requirements of the adjacent ammonia plant, the weather, and other factors.

Related article: Worley awarded FEED contract for CQ-H2 project

PXiSE’s grid control solutions have already been highly evaluated at a Horizon Power project in Western Australia. Horizon Power serves the largest power supply area in the world, and following a successful rollout in Onslow, the solutions will be adopted in 34 additional Horizon Power microgrids.

Yokogawa senior vice president Koji Nakaoka said, “In a world in which systems are becoming closely integrated, based on the system of systems (SoS) concept, we will contribute to our customer’s ESG management by offering high value-added solutions, including the integration of plant control and energy management systems to enable the timely control of complex power systems.”

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APA Group to acquire Alinta’s Pilbara power assets https://esdnews.com.au/apa-group-to-acquire-alintas-pilbara-power-assets/ Thu, 24 Aug 2023 01:16:12 +0000 https://esdnews.com.au/?p=39700 Australia’s biggest gas pipeline operator, APA Group, will acquire Alinta Energy’s power assets in Western Australia’s remote Pilbara region for $1.7 billion, including debt, as it looks to move into […]

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Australia’s biggest gas pipeline operator, APA Group, will acquire Alinta Energy’s power assets in Western Australia’s remote Pilbara region for $1.7 billion, including debt, as it looks to move into in power generation.

Alinta Energy Pilbara is an energy infrastructure business underpinned by contracted operational assets (gas and solar power generation, gas transmission, battery energy storage systems (BESS) and electricity transmission), together with an extensive development pipeline of projects (wind, solar, gas reciprocating engines, BESS and associated electricity transmission), located in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.

Related article: UGL to construct 35MW battery for Alinta Energy

To fund the purchase, APA Group intends to raise $750 million in capital through new equity.

APA Group CEO Adam Watson said the deal was a renewable energy market play, tapping into the desire on the part of the government and miners in Pilbara to make the transition to renewables.

“That’s the model that’s played out in the more progressive, decarbonisation-led regions of the world like the UK and the Netherlands,” he told Reuters in an interview.

“The remote grid sections of Australia need to do the same thing,” he said.

Related article: Australia’s Hazer Group celebrates $15m capital raise

Alinta’s Pilbara assets include two dual-fuel gas- and diesel-fired power stations—the 210MW Port Hedland Station and the 238MW Newman Power Station as well as 200km of high-voltage transmission lines. Renewable and storage assets include Chichester Solar Farm and 900MW worth of projects in development.

Alinta said the sale would help it focus on ambitious projects such as the 1GW Spinifex Offshore Wind Project in Portland, Victoria, and the 900MW Oven Mountain Pumped Hydro project in New South Wales.

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ACEN, Yindjibarndi people to develop 3GW renewables project https://esdnews.com.au/acen-and-yindjibarndi-people-to-develop-3gw-renewables-project/ Thu, 20 Jul 2023 00:11:12 +0000 https://esdnews.com.au/?p=39285 Renewables developer ACEN has partnered with Traditional Owners the Yindjibarndi people to develop, own, and operate large-scale renewable energy projects of up to 3GW capacity in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. […]

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Renewables developer ACEN has partnered with Traditional Owners the Yindjibarndi people to develop, own, and operate large-scale renewable energy projects of up to 3GW capacity in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.

ACEN and the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC) cemented the partnership last June through the formation of the Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation (YEC). The YEC is tasked with advancing major renewable energy projects on Yindjibarndi Ngurra (country), which is conveniently located near major industrial energy users. The leadership of YEC includes ACEN-appointed director and chairman Anton Rohner and Yindjibarndi-appointed director Craig Ricato.

Related article: World-first partnership to deliver huge clean energy project

This collaboration represents one of the largest Indigenous-led renewable energy initiatives in Australia. ACEN and the Yindjibarndi people will jointly develop wind, solar, and renewable energy storage projects on Yindjibarndi Ngurra, an area of approximately 13,000sq km within the Yindjibarndi Native Title Determination Areas.

The partnership agreement between ACEN and the Yindjibarndi people includes principles such as Yindjibarndi approval for all proposed project sites on Yindjibarndi Ngurra, Yindjibarndi equity participation of 25% to 50% in all projects, preferred contracting for Yindjibarndi-owned businesses, and training and employment opportunities for Yindjibarndi people.

The initial goal of YEC is to have 750MW of combined wind, solar, and battery storage under construction within the next few years, representing an investment of more than $1 billion. Subsequent stages will target an additional 2GW to 3GW of combined wind, solar, and battery storage. The renewable energy produced will surpass the current output of WA’s largest coal-fired power station.

ACEN International CEO Patrice Clausse commented, “We feel deeply honored by the trust the Yindjibarndi community has bestowed upon ACEN to work collaboratively with them in exploring development opportunities on their lands. The Pilbara region is home to some of the largest industrial energy users globally, many of whom have expressed their desire to transition to a carbon-neutral future. We are actively engaged in promising dialogues with potential off-take customers to purchase the renewable energy.”

Related article: ACEN approved to build Australia’s biggest battery

YAC CEO Michael Woodley said, “We know that our country is well located for renewable energy development, so we made the decision early to lead. We established a small team and set out to find a partner with the right capabilities and values, which led us to ACEN.

“The agreement with ACEN means that the Yindjibarndi people can actively participate in Australia’s renewable energy transition in a significant way that provides long-term economic benefits to our community, whilst also ensuring that we can protect and preserve all areas within Yindjibarndi Ngurra which are of cultural, spiritual, and environmental significance to us. The partnership will also create sustainable, long-term training and employment opportunities on country for our people.”

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Pilbara breaks new ground with renewable energy https://esdnews.com.au/pilbara-breaks-new-ground-with-renewable-energy/ Fri, 18 Oct 2019 03:53:10 +0000 https://www.esdnews.com.au/?p=23023 Western Australia’s Pilbara region is set to be home to the first major iron ore mining operation in Australia to be run entirely off renewable energy.

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Western Australia’s Pilbara region is set to be home to the first major iron ore mining operation in Australia to be run entirely off renewable energy during the day.

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has today announced $24.2 million in funding to Alinta Energy Pilbara Finance Pty Ltd (Alinta) to develop its Solar Gas Hybrid project to power Fortescue Metals Group’s (Fortescue) Chichester mining hub.

As part of Alinta’s project, a 60 MW solar PV facility will be constructed and approximately 60 kilometres of new transmission lines will link Fortescue’s Christmas Creek and Cloudbreak mines with the new solar farm.

The project will also see the transmission lines connect the Chichester Hub’s mines and Roy Hill to Alinta’s existing 145 MW gas-fired Newman Power Station and its 35 MW/11 MWh battery storage system.

Related article: Victorian distribution networks deliver new branding message

Fortescue is to be the offtaker of the project, which will help to reduce the use of diesel by around 100 million litres annually, as the mines currently rely on diesel generators. This will allow up to 100 per cent of daytime energy requirements for the Chichester iron ore mining operations to be powered by renewable energy, with the remaining power requirements to be balanced with gas generation. 

The project will highlight the benefits of integrating renewable energy into mining processes to displace current fossil fuel generation, and how renewable energy can help the mining sector reduce its emissions.

The Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) will also provide a loan of up to $90 million.

Related article: Hydro Tasmania reports better-than-expected profits

ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the project could unlock further investment in renewable energy in the mining sector and other remote and energy intensive operations. 

“Alinta’s project will demonstrate how renewable energy solutions can deliver critical energy requirements for major mining operations and help reduce emissions,” he said.

“This will also show how interconnection of loads and different generation and storage – including solar, battery storage and gas – can provide secure and reliable electricity.  

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Training and jobs boost for Pilbara energy workers https://esdnews.com.au/training-and-jobs-boost-for-pilbara-energy-workers/ Tue, 28 Aug 2018 04:43:07 +0000 http://www.esdnews.com.au/?p=18346 Horizon Power has boosted job prospects in regional Western Australia through training and upskilling opportunities to ensure the electricity network to the north of the state continues to be maintained […]

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Horizon Power has boosted job prospects in regional Western Australia through training and upskilling opportunities to ensure the electricity network to the north of the state continues to be maintained and serviced by local workers.

Seven existing Horizon Power employees are now qualified with dual trades having successfully completed a Certificate III Electricity Supply Industry (Cable Jointing) qualification.

They will be responsible for maintenance and repair of key electricity infrastructure, including the recently completed underground power networks in Karratha and Port Hedland.

Horizon Power acting chief executive officer Mike Houlahan said the training and upskilling of the workforce is reflective of changes across the energy industry and Horizon Power’s commitment to its people.

Manager Pilbara Grid James Carney said the dual tradespeople in Horizon Power’s Pilbara team would begin a new training program next year to gain further skills and qualifications required to work on the transmission network.and also to connect utility-scale renewables to the network.

“As a result of undergrounding the distribution lines in the Pilbara network, about 70 per cent of the work is now focused on transmission – the high voltage lines that connect to the substations,” he said.

“The next step in the training program for these employees is for training to become electrical fitters, or electricians, because of the instrumentation work involved with the underground network and the impending connection of utility scale batteries to our Pilbara network.”

Premier Mark McGowan, Energy Minister Ben Wyatt, Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery and Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel toured the Port Hedland electricity depot and met with Horizon Power’s newest recruits and apprentices while in the Pilbara for the McGowan Labor Government’s regional Community Cabinet.

“My government’s number one priority is to provide jobs and opportunities to Western Australians,” Premier McGowan said.

“The upskilling of regional workers enables them to be more equipped to take on the jobs of the future and is essential in keeping jobs in regional WA.”

The training opportunities have been further bolstered with four more distribution workers being taken on in the Pilbara region, and an extra 12 Horizon Power positions being created in other regional towns across the State including Port Hedland, Karratha, Carnarvon, Esperance, Broome and Kununurra.

“The state government is committed to ensuring regional workers are given opportunities to retrain and upskill to meet the needs of the energy sector, which is a dynamic and changing industry,” WA Energy Minister Ben Wyatt said.

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Mining giant connects to Pilbara power network https://esdnews.com.au/mining-giant-connects-to-pilbara-power-network/ Wed, 27 Jun 2018 00:30:38 +0000 http://www.esdnews.com.au/?p=17728 WA mining giant Roy Hill has connected its Port Hedland operations to the Pilbara power network. The successful connection of Roy Hill to Horizon Power’s North West Interconnected System (NWIS) […]

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WA mining giant Roy Hill has connected its Port Hedland operations to the Pilbara power network.

The successful connection of Roy Hill to Horizon Power’s North West Interconnected System (NWIS) – the electricity network that covers the Pilbara – comes after two years of consultations, designing and building specialist infrastructure and equipment, and comprehensive testing.

The project began in 2016 and required the underground installation of two 33kv feeder lines, both 5km long, between Horizon Power’s South West Creek Substation and Roy Hill’s main switchboard at the port in Port Hedland.

Horizon Power managing director Frank Tudor said reaching the milestone was cause for celebration by both parties.

“We are pleased to be providing power for Roy Hill’s iron ore mining, rail and port operations in Port Hedland,” Mr Tudor said.

“The connection of Roy Hill to our Pilbara network, and the partnership we have embarked on together, represents strong investment in the Pilbara that West Australians can place their confidence in.”

The 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) between Horizon Power and Roy Hill officially commenced in April 2018.

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Horizon powers ahead with Australia’s largest microgrid https://esdnews.com.au/horizon-powers-ahead-australias-largest-microgrid/ Mon, 04 Jun 2018 05:27:14 +0000 http://www.esdnews.com.au/?p=17533 The Pilbara town of Onslow is set to become the home of Australia’s largest energy microgrid with the awarding of major renewables-focused infrastructure contracts. Horizon Power has received state government […]

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The Pilbara town of Onslow is set to become the home of Australia’s largest energy microgrid with the awarding of major renewables-focused infrastructure contracts.

Horizon Power has received state government approval to progress the next phase of its distributed energy resources (DER) project in Onslow, which will provide the town with a high level of renewable energy to meet their electricity needs.

The initial part of the project, which includes a new gas-fired power station, is nearing completion.

The new infrastructure will provide the platform for the next phase of the project, which includes the development of a large solar farm and battery storage system.

Horizon Power managing director Frank Tudor said the project was significant to the state’s energy future.

“This is demonstrating our capacity to deliver the safe and reliable integration of renewable energy into our existing systems throughout regional and remote Western Australia,” Mr Tudor said.

“Together with these central energy assets, we’re also developing technology and infrastructure platforms to ultimately enable our customers to easily and efficiently connect, generate, store and sell their own electricity.

“Our DER microgrids will deliver more affordable and sustainable electricity to communities, giving customers more choice over how they receive their energy and greater ability to lower their power bills.”

Under its State Development Agreement, the Chevron-operated Wheatstone Project has provided a substantial financial contribution for Horizon Power to build the power infrastructure for both project stages.

The solar farm contract has been awarded to Complete Power Systems (CPS) National, with the project to be located adjacent to the new power station, approximately 18km from town.

It will be designed to harness solar energy – saving money spent on fuel and maintenance at the power station.

To optimise the use of renewables in the town, a utility-scale battery will be built and installed by Contract Power Australia within Horizon Power’s new zone substation, located 3km from the town centre.

The battery will be available to help manage events such as overcast conditions and peak electricity demand, ensuring a smooth supply of power to the Onslow community.

Completion of the solar farm and battery storage is expected in the first half of 2019.

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