Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation, a partnership between the Yindjibarndi People and multinational renewable energy developers ACEN Corporation, will begin construction of the Jinbi Solar Project in the Pilbara after reaching financial close and signing a 30-year power purchase agreement with Rio Tinto.

The finalisation of project's financing marks a major step to delivering renewable energy on Yindjibarndi Ngurra (Country), with key funding, contractual arrangements, government approvals and consents required to proceed to construction satisfied.

A central component of the commercial framework was a long‑term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for stage one of the project with Rio Tinto, which would receive 100 per cent of electricity generated by Jinbi, supporting decarbonisation of the global miner's Pilbara iron ore Pilbara operations once the project is operational.

Stage one of the Jinbi Solar Project would comprise a 75 MWac solar facility, with an option to expand to 150 MWac, including the potential addition of battery energy storage systems (BESS).

Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation (YEC) issued notices to proceed to its engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor DT Infrastructure and its construction accommodation provider Rapid Camps.

Construction will now commence in accordance with the approved schedule, with full commercial operations, which marks the start of the 30-year PPA supply period, expected in mid‑2028.

Early site works are already under way, with Yurra, a Yindjibarndi Nation enterprise and YEC's preferred civil works partner, carrying out site preparation and mobilisation activities to ready the site for construction.

The milestone reflected completion of a disciplined and deliberate commercial development process, and the establishment of robust governance, contractual and financing arrangements consistent with Yindjibarndi and ACEN values and priorities.

YEC chief executive officer, Craig Ricato, said reaching financial close was an important moment for the organisation and demonstrated its capacity to deliver complex infrastructure projects, while maintaining a strong cultural foundation and clear accountability to both shareholders.

"Reaching financial close on our first project in the Pilbara within three years of the partnership's operation is a significant milestone for YEC and our shareholders, Yindjibarndi Traditional Owners and ACEN," Mr Ricato said.

"It confirms a Yindjibarndi-led project, grounded in Country and culture, can meet rigorous commercial requirements of the energy market while staying true to our values and governance responsibilities."

Mr Ricato emphasised financial close was one step in a broader and carefully sequenced development pathway.

"It enables us to immediately progress with the construction phase of the project," he said.

Yindjibarndi Nation CEO, Michael Woodley, said financial close on Jinbi was a pivotal step in translating long‑held aspirations into enduring outcomes for Yindjibarndi people.

"Reaching financial close demonstrates that when development is Yindjibarndi‑led, underpinned by strong governance and the right partnerships, it can deliver outcomes that are both commercially sound and culturally grounded," he said.

Rio Tinto iron ore chief executive, Matthew Holcz, congratulated YEC and acknowledged the leadership of the Yindjibarndi People in achieving the milestone.

"We're proud to be part of the Jinbi project, which reflects years of work by many, and led by the Yindjibarndi People," Mr Holcz said.

"Developing renewable energy on Yindjibarndi Country, in partnership with its Traditional Custodians, creates enduring value - supporting our operations while contributing to long-term economic opportunities on Country."

ACEN group chief investment officer, Patrice Clausse, said the Jinbi Solar Project reflected the strength of its partnership with Yindjibarndi.

"Jinbi demonstrates what is possible when Traditional Owner leadership, long-term vision and disciplined project development come together," he said.

"ACEN is proud to partner with Yindjibarndi on a project that meets rigorous commercial standards while setting a strong benchmark for responsible and respectful renewable energy development in Australia."

Formed in 2023, YEC is one of Australia's biggest Indigenous-led renewable energy initiatives, with plans to develop a portfolio of up to 3 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity within approximately 13,000 square kilometres of Yindjibarndi Ngurra, supporting decarbonisation, electrification and new industries across the Pilbara, while delivering enduring economic and social benefits for Yindjibarndi people.

Its strategy is structured on two key renewable energy hubs: the Chichester Range Renewable Energy Hub and the Eastern Development Zone Renewable Energy Hub, which form the backbone of YEC's more than 1.5 gigawatts of wind, solar, BESS and related infrastructure projects currently in development.