Key Points:
• A new MOU could accelerate BHP's decarbonisation of energy needs in Pilbara
• It follows Yindjibarndi Energy's 30-year power purchase agreement with Rio Tinto
• YEC is on the Commonwealth's renewable energy priority list, granting it streamlined approvals
Yindjibarndi Traditional Owners and mining giant BHP are exploring clean energy solutions for the Pilbara region's energy needs
Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation has signed a memorandum of understanding with BHP to explore potential large-scale power solutions across Western Australia's expansive Pilbara region.
The non-binding agreement would assess options across power generation, electricity transmission, and enabling infrastructure and was a significant step in BHP's operational decarbonisation strategy in WA, as the global miner attempts to accelerate decarbonisation of its operational energy needs in the Pilbara.
The agreement states both parties will assess a range of potential power supply and infrastructure options, including scalable renewable power solutions aligned with BHP's future energy requirements across its WA iron ore (WAIO) mining, rail and Port Hedland operations.
YEC chief executive Craig Ricato said the MOU recognised YEC as a major renewable energy developer and independent power producer, with capacity to support large, complex industrial energy systems in the Pilbara.
"This agreement reflects YEC's focus on working constructively with major industrial customers to drive energy solutions that are technically robust, commercially grounded and capable of supporting long-term energy security in the Pilbara," Mr Ricato said.
"As an Indigenous-led energy developer, our role is to bring together Country, capability and capital to support long-term regional decarbonisation and electrification.
"We will continue to work collaboratively with Traditional Owner groups across the Pilbara to help ensure these opportunities deliver shared, enduring economic and social benefits for Indigenous communities."
BHP said the MOU was critical to it exploring practical, large-scale energy solutions in the region.
"Partnerships like this are key to unlocking the next phase of decarbonisation in the Pilbara," said Daniel Heal, BHP's vice president of WA nickel and operational decarbonisation.
"Working with YEC allows us to explore practical, on-the-ground solutions that bring together energy capability, local knowledge and a shared commitment to long-term outcomes for the region."
The agreement does not commit either party to a final investment decision or the development of specific infrastructure, with all outcomes subject to commercial considerations, regulatory approvals and further technical assessment.
Historic JV enables Yindjibarndi co-ownership
YEC is one of Australia's largest Indigenous-led renewable energy companies, formed as a multi-billion-dollar joint venture between the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation and global renewables firm ACEN Corporation in mid-2023.
The partnership sees the Yindjibarndi people actively involved in developing, owning and operating the projects, including selecting appropriate sites to ensure that all works preserve areas of cultural, spiritual and environmental importance.
The JV has a massive renewable development pipeline, aiming for up to 3GW of capacity across Yindjibarndi Country.
The YEC/BHP deal comes at a pivotal time for clean energy developments on Traditional lands in the Pilbara.
Earlier this month YEC signed a 30-year 'Power Purchase Agreement' with Rio Tinto, with the binding agreement confirming financial closure for the construction of YEC's flagship clean energy development on Traditional lands.
Other major YEC projects and pipelines
Beyond individual miner agreements, YEC is advancing a 3GW renewable energy pipeline across 13,000 square kilometres of Yindjibarndi Ngurra (Country)
A massive hybrid development - Project Baru-Marnda - would feature 500MW of solar PV and up to 1GW of wind capacity, plus an optional battery storage network.
A proposed high-voltage common-user transmission infrastructure project, the Chichester Range Corridor, would link YEC's generation hubs to the Northwest Interconnected System via the Maitland Strategic Industrial Area and Dampier Port.
Both Project Baru-Marnda and the Chichester Range Corridor were selected for the Federal Government's national renewable energy priority list, granting YEC streamlined federal approvals.
In early 2026, YEC officially launched Expressions of Interest for industrial operators to negotiate commercial clean-energy offtake agreements across the Pilbara.
