ACEN, YAC Launch 150-MW Solar Project in Pilbara

• ACEN and YAC are harnessing Pilbara's sun, launching the 150-MW Jinbi solar park to power Rio Tinto’s operations and drive a renewable energy revolution!

Ayala's ACEN Corp and Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation have received development approval for a 150-MW solar park in Western Australia's Pilbara region, known as the Jinbi project. The permit was granted by the Shire of Ashburton's Regional Development Assessment Panel, and construction will involve approximately 325,000 solar panels and 48 inverters on unallocated crown land. This facility is set to provide electricity for Rio Tinto's operations, following a previously established Memorandum of Understanding.

The Jinbi solar park is part of a larger initiative between ACEN and YAC to enhance renewable energy capacity in Pilbara, targeting up to 3 GW of development. The partnership aims to construct 750 MW of wind, solar, and battery storage within the next few years, following environmental approval received in June.

What are the key details of the Jinbi solar project in Western Australia?

Here are the key details of the Jinbi solar project in Western Australia:

• Location: Situated in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, specifically on unallocated crown land.
• Capacity: Designed to have a capacity of 150 megawatts (MW), making it a significant addition to renewable energy resources in the area.
• Development Partners: The project is a collaboration between ACEN Corporation and the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC), highlighting a partnership that respects and incorporates local Aboriginal interests.
• Approval Received: Development approval was granted by the Shire of Ashburton's Regional Development Assessment Panel, indicating the project's alignment with local government regulations and interests.
• Construction Scale: The construction will involve the installation of approximately 325,000 solar panels and 48 inverters, showcasing a substantial commitment to infrastructure development.
• Energy Supply Commitment: The generated electricity will be directed to support Rio Tinto's mining operations in the region, reflecting a strategic partnership between renewable energy providers and major industry players.
• Long-Term Renewable Energy Goals: This solar park is part of a broader initiative aiming to enhance renewable energy capacity in the Pilbara, with an ambitious target of developing up to 3 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy resources.
• Future Projects: ACEN and YAC are planning to expand their renewable energy footprint by constructing 750 MW of combined energy resources, including solar, wind, and battery storage, to bolster energy supply in the region.
• Environmental Considerations: The Jinbi project has successfully received environmental approvals, indicating compliance with sustainability standards and a commitment to minimizing ecological impact.
• Economic Implications: The project is expected to create local jobs during construction and operations, contributing to the economic development of the Pilbara region.
• Clean Energy Transition: Jinbi's establishment represents a step towards transitioning from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources in alignment with global climate goals, aiding in reducing carbon emissions associated with mining activities.
• Community Engagement: The involvement of the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation underscores a commitment to engaging and collaborating with local communities, ensuring that Indigenous interests are recognized and integrated into the project's development.

These elements collectively outline the significance of the Jinbi solar project in the context of Western Australia's renewable energy landscape, with a focus on strategic partnerships, community involvement, and sustainability.