Rio Tinto and Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation (YEC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore opportunities to collaborate on renewable energy projects on Yindjibarndi country in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
Rio Tinto and YEC will study and evaluate a range of opportunities including wind and solar power as well as battery energy storage systems.
The initial focus is on rapidly exploring the potential development of a solar power generation facility for the supply of energy to Rio Tinto.
Rio Tinto operates four gas-fired power stations in the Pilbara.
About 600MW to 700MW of renewable generation is estimated to be required to displace the majority of gas use across its network.
The company is currently assessing the development of approximately 300MW of solar projects.
The collaboration opportunities currently being explored by Rio Tinto and YEC if progressed, would be complementary to renewable energy developments on Rio Tinto Iron Ore’s electricity grid.
YEC was established in June following an agreement between Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC) and renewable energy developer ACEN Corporation (ACEN) to progress the development of major renewable energy projects on Yindjibarndi Ngurra (country).
This is an area covering approximately 13,000km2 within the Yindjibarndi Native Title Determination Areas.
YEC’s initial plans include a Stage 1 target of 750MW of combined wind, solar, and battery storage with construction to commence within the next few years.
The collaboration opportunities being considered by Rio Tinto and YEC relate to some of these Stage 1 projects.
YAC chief executive Michael Woodley said: “Yindjibarndi Ngurra is ideally suited to developing renewable energy generation and our people are encouraged by Rio Tinto’s interest in building this capacity with us.
“This will strengthen our existing partnership and provide long term benefits for our community, while also ensuring that we can protect and preserve the areas of cultural, spiritual and environmental significance within our Ngurra.”
ACEN International chief executive Patrice Clausse said: “This MOU signifies more than just a partnership; it’s a testament to the shared vision of sustainable energy development on Yindjibarndi Ngurra.
“It is the perfect blend of traditional significance and modern technology, designed to harness the limitless potential of the Pilbara’s sun and wind, while respecting the deep-rooted connection of the Yindjibarndi people with their land.
“Together, we are crafting an energy future that is not only renewable, but also renewing, by empowering local communities and contributing to a greener future.”
Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Simon Trott added: “We are focused on repowering our Pilbara operations with renewable energy through the end of this decade and beyond by replacing gas and diesel with clean energy alternatives.
“The Pilbara is blessed with abundant year-round sunshine and strong winds at night, making it one of the most attractive places in the world to harness solar and wind power for energy generation.
“We’re excited to be deepening our partnership with the Yindjibarndi People through this agreement and look forward to working closely with them.
“We recognise we have a large carbon footprint in the Pilbara and are exploring a number of innovative solutions to help address this, including future collaborations with other Traditional Owner groups in the region.”