Mining giant Rio Tinto and the newly-established Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation (YEC) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore the development of solar and wind energy projects in Australia's Pilbara region. Although the total capacity of the projects under the MOU remains undisclosed, Rio Tinto indicated that 600-700MW of renewable energy would be required to largely replace gas consumption at its four existing Pilbara gas power stations.
The MOU aligns with YEC's Stage 1 plans, which include a combined 750MW of solar, wind, and battery storage projects. YEC is a partnership between the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC) and Philippines-based renewables developer ACEN, created with the aim of launching profitable and equitable renewable energy initiatives for traditional land occupants in the Pilbara.
Simon Trott, Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive, stated that the company aims to power its Pilbara operations using renewable energy by the end of the decade. “The Pilbara is blessed with abundant year-round sunshine and strong winds at night, making it one of the most attractive places in the world to harness solar and wind power for energy generation,” Trott said.
Rio Tinto's engagement in renewable energy in the region follows earlier controversies. Australian media reported that the company damaged an ancient rock shelter in the Pilbara earlier this year, adding to the destruction of a 46,000-year-old heritage site in 2020.
Michael Woodley, YAC Chief Executive, expressed optimism about the partnership. “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,” Woodley said. “This will strengthen our existing partnership and provide long term benefits for our community, while also ensuring that we can protect and preserve areas of cultural, spiritual, and environmental significance within our Ngurra.”
