Western Australia's clean energy sector has received another kickstart, with more than $16 million funding for seven innovative new projects.
Grants for the third round of the WA government's $37 million Clean Energy Future Fund have been won by proponents whose projects encompass a diverse range of clean energy initiatives, such as hydrogen production, battery storage, a pilot to convert diesel mining vehicles to electric, and the establishment of all-electric retirement communities.
The successful initiatives are expected to deliver a reduction of about 175,000 tonnes in greenhouse gas emissions per year – the equivalent to taking more than 56,000 vehicles off the road.
From the latest round of $16m funding, $5.5m will support two clean energy projects led by First Nations people, including $2.5m to Banjima Native Title Aboriginal Corporation to install 103 MW of solar power and 51.5 MWh of battery storage on Banjima country in the Central Pilbara.
A further $3m was won by Pilbara Solar, for a project on Jinparinya land near Port Hedland, where the company will install a 10MW solar farm for its Junja Solar Project, which is largely shovel-ready.
Pilbara Solar has already received an 'offer to connect' for the solar farm to deliver power to Horizon Power's coastal network.
Jinparinya community spokesperson Barry Taylor said the partnership with Horizon was the final milestone in developing the community's first renewable energy project.
"Income earned from the project will be put back into the community for social and housing programs," Mr Taylor said.
"The benefits include 5 per cent free carry ownership; the chance to increase our ownership with financing; annual lease payments; payment of community energy bills; and civil works contracted to Cundaline Resources, a business owned by our community members."
The project would be funded by approximately $30 million of private investment and was also aligned with the WA government's Pilbara Energy Plan and its decarbonisation commitment to implement a "rapid, orderly and equitable transition".
Nyamal Elder and Pilbara Solar director Doris Eaton said the project would create employment for mechanical and electrical works, which would first be offered to community members and businesses.
Free rooftop solar for selected community buildings; sports team sponsorship; rolling apprenticeships and administrative and maintenance jobs for community members were other benefits expected during the 20-plus-year lifespan of the project.
"Junja means sunshine and this will be the first renewable energy project in the Pilbara with First Nations equity share," Mrs Eaton said.
Thudgari man and Pilbara Solar director Mr Windie said the Junja project would have a lasting impact for locals.
"We are so proud of this project. It will bring an estimated $9 million of benefits to First Nations communities, including the Jinparinya Aboriginal Corporation, which is the community residing on Country, and the Wanparta Aboriginal Corporation, representing the Ngarla Traditional Owners," he said.
He said the Junja Solar Farm was an exemplary learn-by-doing project for the Pilbara energy industries and customers, to start the clean energy transition.
"It is a significant step forward for economic empowerment of First Nations people and for the energy transition in the Pilbara," he said.
