Exmouth to Achieve 80% Renewable Energy Supply

• Pacific Energy partners with Horizon Power to revolutionize Exmouth's energy landscape, promising 80% renewable power by 2026—ushering in a cleaner, greener future for this remote town.

Pacific Energy has struck a 20-year power purchase agreement with Horizon Power to provide renewable energy to Exmouth, a remote town in Western Australia. The initiative aims to power the town with up to 80% renewable energy, leveraging a hybrid system that includes a 9.6-MW solar park, a 49.6-MWh battery energy storage system, and a 7 MW gas power station. This marks Pacific Energy's first off-grid project tailored to meet the power needs of a remote community.

The integration of renewables is expected to launch in early 2024, with full operational capability by the end of 2026. Pacific Energy acquired the town's existing gas power station in September and chose solar technology due to the region's cyclonic conditions, which are unsuitable for wind turbines. The project is projected to reduce carbon emissions by nearly 14,000 tonnes annually throughout the duration of the contract.

How will Pacific Energy's initiative transform Exmouth's energy landscape over the next two decades?

• Significant Reduction in Carbon Footprint: Transitioning to up to 80% renewable energy will markedly decrease Exmouth's reliance on fossil fuels, leading to a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Over the 20-year span of the agreement, the initiative is expected to cut emissions by nearly 14,000 tonnes each year, promoting a cleaner environment.
• Energy Cost Stability: By investing in renewable energy sources such as solar and battery storage, Pacific Energy aims to reduce energy costs for residents and businesses in Exmouth. As fossil fuel prices fluctuate, renewable energy can provide more stable pricing, shielding the community from price shocks associated with traditional power generation.
• Energy Independence: The hybrid system will enhance Exmouth's energy independence by utilizing local resources and decreasing reliance on imported fuels. This local generation capacity ensures that the community is better equipped to handle energy demands without being vulnerable to external supply disruptions.
• Job Creation and Economic Growth: The construction and maintenance of the solar park and battery storage system will create job opportunities for local residents. This employment boost could stimulate Exmouth's economy, fostering new skills and growth in the renewable energy sector.
• Technological Advancements and Capacity Building: By implementing cutting-edge solar and battery storage technologies, Exmouth will benefit from knowledge transfer and capacity building in renewable energy. This initiative could position local engineers and technicians to gain valuable skills, further enhancing the town's expertise in sustainable energy solutions.
• Resilience to Climate Impacts: With extreme weather events becoming more frequent due to climate change, integrating renewable energy infrastructure will help Exmouth build resilience. The backup battery storage will help maintain power during outages, while the solar park provides an eco-friendly energy source.
• Community Engagement and Support: Pacific Energy’s initiative is likely to involve local community engagement, ensuring that Exmouth residents are actively involved in the energy transition process. This could foster a sense of ownership and commitment to sustainable practices, allowing the community to participate in shaping its energy future.
• Infrastructure Development: The project may lead to additional infrastructure improvements in Exmouth, including upgrades to the electricity distribution network. These enhancements would facilitate better service reliability and efficiency in energy delivery to homes and businesses.
• Long-term Climate Goals Alignment: This initiative aligns with broader state and national targets for reducing carbon emissions and increasing renewable energy usage. By moving towards a sustainable energy model, Exmouth can contribute to Western Australia's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
• Potential to Serve as a Model: As Pacific Energy’s first off-grid renewable energy project for a remote community, this initiative could serve as a replicable model for other isolated towns across Australia and globally. Successful implementation may inspire similar projects elsewhere, promoting the transition to renewable energy in remote area energy systems.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: With reliable and more affordable energy, residents of Exmouth can expect an improved quality of life. This may encourage population growth and attract new businesses and tourists, boosting the local economy and community vitality.

In summary, Pacific Energy's initiative is poised to fundamentally alter Exmouth's energy landscape over the next 20 years, fostering sustainability, economic development, and resilience while setting the stage for a greener future.