Aboriginal energy partnership signs MOU with Rio Tinto for Western Australia renewables

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
The Pilbara, traditionally one of the most prominent mining regions, has significant solar and wind resources. Image: CEFC

Mining major Rio Tinto and Aboriginal energy partnership the Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation (YEC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to pursue the development of solar and wind projects in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

The total capacity of the potential projects under the MOU was not clarified, though Rio Tinto said in its press release that around 600-700MW of renewables generation would be required to “displace the majority of gas use” from its four operational Pilbara gas power stations, and it was currently assessing the development of around 300MW of solar projects.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

It added that the MOU will relate to some of the projects in the YEC’s Stage 1 plans for 750MW of combined solar, wind and battery storage projects.

Established in June this year, the YEC is the fruit of a partnership between the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC) and Philippines-headquartered renewables developer ACEN and looks to develop renewables projects that are equitable and profitable for the traditional land occupiers in the Pilbara.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive, Simon Trott, said: “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.”

Earlier this year, Rio Tinto’s iron ore mining operations caused damage to an ancient rock shelter in the Pilbara, according to Australian media reports. This follows the destruction of a 46,000 year-old heritage site in 2020.

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.”

The question of equitable partnerships with Aboriginal communities is a pertinent one. Earlier this month PV Tech Premium spoke with the YEC as part of a feature on the relationships between renewables developers and Aboriginal and First Nations communities in Australia, who emphasised the need for equitable and financial shareholder status in projects rather than merely “social license” stakeholder status.

Another First Nations organisation, the Aboriginal Clean Energy (ACE) Partnership, was established earlier this year to develop a 900MW solar-power green hydrogen export hub in Western Australia.

Rio Tinto noted that it has held a Participation Agreement and Indigenous Land Use Agreement with YAC since 2013.

Read Next

July 25, 2025
A round-up of news from the Indian solar sector this week, including Reliance Industries' cell plant, Juniper Green Energy powering solar PV and Solex Energy launching new modules.
July 25, 2025
Oil and gas major bp has confirmed it will exit the Australian Renewable Energy Hub (AREH), a 26GW wind, solar and green hydrogen project planned for Western Australia.
July 24, 2025
2025 will be the first time in over a decade that solar power additions decline in the EU, according to a mid-year report from SolarPower Europe.
July 24, 2025
Spanish independent power producer (IPP) Sonnedix has raised €2 billion (US$2.35 billion) through two refinancing transactions in Europe.
July 24, 2025
Spanish energy utility giant Iberdrola has recorded over €3.5 billion in net profits in the first half of 2025 as it continues to expand investments in grid networks and high-value markets.
July 24, 2025
China has installed 14.36GW of solar PV in June 2025, down 85% from the previous month and also decreasing 38% from the same period in 2024.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 2, 2025
Mexico City, Mexico
Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK