The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is providing $3.6 million in funding through its Regional Microgrids Program to Horizon Power to help transition a remote First Nations community in Blackstone (Papulankutja), Western Australia, from high-cost diesel generation to a state-of-the-art renewable energy microgrid.
Funded under the First Nations Community Microgrids Stream, the project will reduce reliance on diesel, lower carbon emissions with a hybrid renewable energy solution, reinvest cost savings into other community infrastructure and focus on long-term capacity building.
Situated near the South Australian and Northern Territory borders, Blackstone has been selected as a pilot community to test the scalable, modular hybrid energy solution and, if successful, can be used as a blueprint to assist the future design for other, similar sized remote Aboriginal communities.
The Blackstone Hybrid Energy Project will consist of up to 778 kW of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, a 2 MWh battery energy storage system and 400 kW of diesel generation, not only providing cleaner and more reliable energy, but also supporting the community’s long-term resilience and sustainability.
Horizon Power, a WA State Government-owned utility, will also establish a Community Energy Fund which will share savings from the project to support community-nominated energy initiatives and return financial benefits directly to the community.
Horizon Power will also roll out a training program to develop local skills for ongoing operations and maintenance of the microgrid, creating employment opportunities within the Papulankutja community.
The Blackstone Hybrid Energy Project has received a further $9.12 million contribution from the WA State Government. ARENA CEO Darren Miller said Horizon Power’s project is a significant step towards providing cleaner and more reliable energy to remote First Nations communities.
“The Blackstone Hybrid Energy Project demonstrates that renewable energy development and community empowerment can go hand in hand, delivering not only clean, reliable power, but also long-term social and economic benefits for remote communities.”
“The success of this project could serve as a blueprint for delivering accessible, affordable and clean energy to other remote First Nations communities.”
Acting Horizon Power CEO Krystal Skinner said: “Today marks a significant milestone for Horizon Power’s Remote Communities program and reflects our strong commitment to energy equity for Aboriginal people living in remote communities across Western Australia.”
“We are proud to support the clean energy transition in partnership with First Nations people – grounded in respect, shared decision-making, and empowerment.”
Energy and Decarbonisation Minister, Amber-Jade Sanderson
Energy and Decarbonisation Minister, Amber-Jade Sanderson expanded further on the significance of the project. “The Blackstone Hybrid Energy Project offers an innovative and cost-effective renewable energy model for remote communities in Western Australia.” she said.
She commented further on a commitment to partnering with Traditional Owners to deliver energy equity and create economic opportunities for Aboriginal communities that continues to reflect local needs, supporting the delivery of safe, reliable power in remote parts of the State.
“Over the past two years, through Horizon Power’s Remote Communities program, considerable progress has been made towards ensuring residents have access to the same standard of power services as other similar-sized communities across the State and we will continue to work in partnership with Aboriginal communities to deliver tailored, appropriate energy solutions that empower and uplift First Nations people.” she concluded.
Chris Bowen, Federal Climate Change and Energy Minister commented, “This project will deliver cleaner, safer, more reliable power for the Blackstone community – replacing the use of high-cost temporary diesel generation, with solar and batteries. Through ARENA, the Albanese Government is backing practical projects that cut emissions, create jobs and can be scaled up for remote communities across Australia. This is also about delivering on our Closing the Gap commitments – working in partnership with First Nations communities so they share in the benefits of the energy transformation.” he concluded.
Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Kate Thwaites claimed that the project is a testament to the power of collaboration between State and Federal governments, Horizon Power, the Ngaanyatjarra Council and community. “By working together, we are not only providing essential energy infrastructure but also creating employment opportunities and fostering community involvement for a sustainable and resilient future – all essential for Closing the Gap.”
