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.
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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.
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“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.”
