The renewable energy sector in Western Australia has reached a significant milestone. An Aboriginal-led energy group has achieved financial closure on the 150MW Jinbi solar PV plant in the Pilbara region.
The project, developed by Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation (YEC), will supply electricity to mining giant Rio Tinto under a 30-year power purchase agreement. Construction is set to begin immediately, with commercial operations expected by mid-2028.
The Jinbi plant received environmental approval in June 2024. It was the first project cleared under Western Australia's Green Energy Approvals Initiative. Stage one will deliver 75MWac of solar capacity, with an option to expand to 150MWac. Battery storage may be added in future stages, subject to regulatory approvals.
Rio Tinto will purchase 100% of the electricity generated by the plant. The power will support the decarbonisation of the company's iron ore operations in the Pilbara.
This agreement continues Rio Tinto's strategy of securing large-scale renewable energy across Australia. In Queensland, the company has already contracted over 600MWac of solar capacity and 600MW of battery storage for its Gladstone operations.
YEC was established in 2023 as a partnership between the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation and ACEN Corporation, based in the Philippines. The organisation aims to develop up to 3GW of wind, solar and energy storage projects across approximately 13,000 square kilometres of Yindjibarndi land.
The partnership structure ensures Aboriginal approval for all project sites. It also provides for equity participation of 25% to 50% by the Yindjibarndi people, along with contracting opportunities for Aboriginal-owned businesses and training programs.
YEC's broader development portfolio includes the Baru Marnda hybrid project, featuring up to 1GW of wind and 500MWac of solar capacity, located 50km south of Karratha.
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