The Western Australian government has granted environmental approval to a 150-megawatt solar project in the Pilbara region, marking the initial phase of a broader initiative to add 3 gigawatts of wind, solar, and battery storage capacity in the state.
Proposed by ACEN Corp and the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC), the project received clearance under the government's Green Energy Approvals Initiative, according to a statement released on Saturday.
YAC, representing traditional owners in the Yindjibarndi community, aims to develop a total of 750 MW of renewable energy capacity, including wind, solar, and battery storage projects, within the coming years. Partnering with ACEN in July last year, YAC entered into discussions with Rio Tinto to explore renewable energy opportunities, initially focusing on a solar facility to power the mining giant.
In April, YAC and ACEN registered a land use agreement with the National Native Title Tribunal for the development of 750 MW of solar and energy storage capacity under the broader initiative. They anticipate making a final investment decision on this phase by late 2024.
Environment and Climate Action Minister Reece Whitby expressed support for the initiative, stating, “Yindjibarndi's proposals are exactly what our Government wants to see more of in Western Australia.”
