Port Hedland investors look to solar

Businesses in the Pilbara are increasingly recognising the value to their bottom line offered by solar and other energy efficiency measures, according to green bank Clean Energy Finance Corporation chief executive Oliver Yates.

At a business forum held in Port Hedland today, Mr Yates addressed about 35 business representatives and the local council, saying it was crucial remote areas received up-to-date information to facilitate informed investment decisions.

He presented information about CEFC loans while guest speakers, including from Perth-based consultancy Energy Made Clean, provided case studies about businesses and councils that reduced their reliance on grid electricity through solar or other onsite generation or reduced energy use by upgrading refrigeration equipment or changing street lighting.

Mr Yates said the Pilbara community was passionate about trying to drive down energy costs as companies sought to implement long-term savings.

“People are paying quite high electricity prices in the Pilbara so the economics of alternatives are stronger than they are on the east coast,” he said.

“(CEFC) are looking to invest in projects which can accelerate the take-up of renewable and energy efficient plant and equipment, large and small.

“From solar to street lighting, onsite generation and storage, to new energy efficient equipment we can help businesses implement it and start benefitting sooner.

“The potential is almost limitless here because currently solar is the cheapest form of generation.”

The CEFC has already agreed to spend $50 million in Port Hedland towards New Energy Corporation’s $200 million waste-to-energy project at Boodarie Industrial Estate.