The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has awarded $3.6 million in funding to Horizon Power under its Regional Microgrids Program to transition the remote First Nations community of Blackstone (Papulankutja) in Western Australia from high-cost diesel generation to a state-of-the-art renewable energy microgrid.
This initiative, funded through the First Nations Community Microgrids Stream, aims to reduce diesel reliance, cut carbon emissions, and reinvest cost savings into community infrastructure while prioritising long-term capacity building.
Located near the South Australian and Northern Territory borders, Blackstone has been selected as a pilot site to test a scalable, modular hybrid energy system.
If successful, the project will provide a blueprint to support similar-sized remote Aboriginal communities across the country.
The Blackstone Hybrid Energy Project will feature up to 778 kW of solar photovoltaic panels, a 2 MWh battery energy storage system, and 400 kW of diesel generation.
This hybrid solution promises cleaner, more reliable energy, enhancing the community’s resilience and sustainability.
Horizon Power will also establish a Community Energy Fund to share savings from the project, supporting community-nominated energy initiatives and directly returning financial benefits to the community.
In addition, a training program will be implemented to develop local skills for ongoing microgrid operations and maintenance, creating employment opportunities within Papulankutja.
The project has also secured a further $9.12 million contribution from the WA government.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller highlighted the significance of the project: “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.”
He added: “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.
“I am proud this initiative will not only deliver safer, more reliable power but also will be reinvesting back into the community – building long-term capability and creating broader economic opportunities into the future.”
Ngaanyatjarra Council Group CEO Thomas Williams expressed strong support for the project: “NCG is proud to support this transformative project, which aligns perfectly with our broader sustainability goals of reducing emissions and empowering our communities with reliable, clean energy.”
He stated: “By transitioning Papulankutja from diesel to a renewable microgrid, we will cut carbon emissions and energy costs and reinvest in the community through local training and jobs, creating a sustainable model that will benefit our people for future generations.”
The project exemplifies how innovative technology combined with meaningful community engagement, participation, and leadership can deliver sustainable energy solutions in remote areas, fostering lasting social and environmental outcomes.
The Regional Microgrids Program, which includes $125 million in funding overall, was established to align with the new standards of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap in delivering essential services.
Of this, $75 million is specifically set aside for First Nations community microgrid projects.
The program remains open for applications until December 2025 or until funds are fully allocated.
