ACEN Corp., the energy arm of the Ayala Group, said Tuesday it has partnered with Traditional Owners, the Yindjibarndi people, to develop, own, and operate large-scale renewable energy projects of up to 3 gigawatt capacity in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.
ACEN and the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corp. cemented the partnership last June through the formation of the Yindjibarndi Energy Corp., which will advance major renewable energy projects on Yindjibarndi Ngurra. The area is located near major industrial energy users.
The initial goal of YEC is to have 750 megawatt of combined wind, solar, and battery storage under construction within the next few years, representing an investment of more than AUD1 billion. Subsequent stages will target an additional 2 GW to 3 GW of combined wind, solar, and battery storage. The renewable energy produced will surpass the current output of WA’s largest coal-fired power station.
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 13,000 km2 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 percent to 50 percent in all projects, preferred contracting for Yindjibarndi-owned businesses, and training and employment opportunities for Yindjibarndi people.
“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,” said ACEN International chief executive officer Patrice Clausse.
