Rio Tinto and Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation (YEC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on renewable energy projects in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
Rio Tinto and YEC will study and assess various opportunities, including wind, solar power, and battery energy storage systems, with a primary focus on developing a solar power generation facility for energy supply.
Rio Tinto operates four gas-fired power stations in the Pilbara. It is projected that 600MW to 700MW of renewable energy will be required to displace the majority of gas use across its network. The company is now evaluating the development of 300MW of solar projects. Rio Tinto and YEC are exploring collaboration opportunities for approximately 300MW of solar projects, which could complement renewable energy developments on Rio Tinto Iron Ore’s electricity grid.
YEC was formed in June as a result of an agreement between Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC) and renewable energy developer ACEN Corporation to advance the development of major renewable energy projects on Yindjibarndi Ngurra (country), an area covering approximately 13,000km2 within the Yindjibarndi Native Title Determination Areas.
YEC plans to build a combined wind, solar, and battery storage for the Stage 1 750MW target, with construction expected in the next few years. Rio Tinto and YEC are exploring collaboration opportunities related to these projects.
YAC Chief Executive Michael Woodley said Yindjibarndi Ngurra is well-positioned for renewable energy development, and Rio Tinto’s interest in collaborating with the community is a source of encouragement.
“This will strengthen our existing partnership and provide long term benefits for our community, while also ensuring that we can protect and preserve the areas of cultural, spiritual and environmental significance within our Ngurra,” Woodley stated.
ACEN International CEO Patrice Clausse commented, “This MOU signifies more than just a partnership; it’s a testament to the shared vision of sustainable energy development on Yindjibarndi Nguarra.”
According to Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Simon Trott, Rio Tinto’s Pilbara operations are set to transition to renewable energy by the end of the decade and beyond, replacing gas and diesel with clean energy alternatives.
“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. We’re excited to be deepening our partnership with the Yindjibarndi People through this agreement and look forward to working closely with them,” Trott said.
“We recognise we have a large carbon footprint in the Pilbara and are exploring a number of innovative solutions to help address this, including future collaborations with other Traditional Owner groups in the region,” he added.
