Feds splash cash on mammoth Aboriginal energy venture

A proposed $3.2 billion solar and hydro-powered energy project led by Kimberley traditional owners has attracted Federal support to test the waters for what would be one of the world’s largest renewable energy projects.

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency on Tuesday committed $1.6 million to the Aboriginal Clean Energy Partnership to conduct a $3.3m feasibility study into its East Kimberley Clean Energy and Hydrogen Project centred on Lake Argyle.

The project would produce renewable energy, hydrogen and ammonia for export from Wyndham Port.

Kimberley Aboriginal groups MG Corporation, Balanggarra Ventures, and Kimberley Land Council are joint venture partners in the development alongside UK-headquartered green investment firm Pollination.

KLC chairman Anthony Watson said the project would prove economic prosperity, Indigenous empowerment, and caring for country could co-exist.

The feasibility study will start immediately and is due to be completed in 5 months.

Under the plan 1,000 megawatts of solar generation would be paired with 850MW of electrolysis capacity on MG Corporation land to produce 50,000 tonnes per year of renewable hydrogen.

That hydrogen would be carrier by pipeline to Wyndham and combined with hydropower from the Ord Hydro power station to produce about 250,000 tonnes a year of ammonia for export to Asia and domestic use.

MG Corp executive chairman Lawford Benning said support from the state and federal governments would help the joint venture partners get the project right.

“This is an exciting and new adventure that could provide opportunities for Traditional Owners the Miriuwung, Gajerrong and Balanggarra people in partnership with the Kimberley Land Council and Pollination to participate in the transition of a greener and cleaner way of working utilising our own natural resources here in the East Kimberley,” he said.

ARENA chief executive Darren Miller said the project would demonstrate First Nations leadership in the energy sector.

“The energy transition and a global hydrogen race are well underway,” he said.

“ARENA is working with ACEP to explore how First Nations communities can have a greater say and a greater stake in Australia’s renewable hydrogen ambitions.

“This project will pave the way for First Nations-led renewable energy developments and ARENA will be working to ensure the lessons we learn from East Kimberley inform future projects.”

Pollination head of projects Rob Grant said the partnership de-risked the project to improve its attractiveness for investors.

The East Kimberley project is one of three major First Nations-backed renewable energy ventures being developed in Western Australia.

Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation and Philippine energy firm ACEN Corporation are probing creation of an initial 750MW wind and solar farm with battery storage in the Pilbara.

Rio Tinto in October last year signed a deal with Yindjibarndi Energy to explore using the project to decarbonise its sprawling Pilbara iron ore operations.

Yindjibarndi Energy is eyeing a 3000MW renewable energy hub which could provide green energy to more major miners in the region.

And Tjiwarl Katu Power in May 2023 formed a joint venture with Zenith Energy to grow renewable energy assets in the remote Goldfields.

Tjiwarl country and surrounds is home to Liontown Resources’ Kathleen Valley lithium mine, BHP and IGO nickel mines, and Northern Star goldmining.