The Western Australian government has announced $2.7 million in support for the Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation (NAC) to establish its first Green Energy Park near Karratha — marking a major step in the state’s push to become a renewable energy powerhouse.
The funding will enable NAC to conduct surveys, approvals, and technical activities over the next 12 months, paving the way for the development of the first 100 per cent Traditional Owner-owned and operated Green Energy Park on Ngarluma country.
Ngarluma country encompasses the coastal towns of Karratha, Roebourne, Wickham, Cape Lambert and extends to Whim Creek — home to much of the Pilbara’s industrial base, including major operations by Rio Tinto Iron Ore, Dampier Salt, Woodside, Yara, and Perdaman.
NAC aims to develop up to 5 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity across its proposed Green Energy Parks, with opportunities for partnership and subleasing to solar and battery storage proponents.
The initiative will create local employment, training, and long-term income streams for the Ngarluma people while contributing significantly to regional decarbonisation efforts.
WA Premier Roger Cook said the initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to unlocking the Pilbara’s renewable potential in partnership with Traditional Owners.
“My government is diversifying Western Australia’s nation-leading economy by delivering the Pilbara Energy Transition, which will support our ambition of making the state a renewable energy powerhouse.
“Unlocking the Pilbara’s renewable energy resources will offer opportunities for new industries, bringing jobs and investment and export potential and benefits for Traditional Owners.
“That’s why we’re supporting Traditional Owners to develop this green energy park project to advance the region’s energy transition.”
NAC’s proposal aligns closely with the WA government’s Pilbara Energy Transition (PET), which supports common-user electricity transmission infrastructure to accelerate industrial decarbonisation across the region.
The Green Energy Park near Karratha will complement the development of the Maitland–Karratha–Burrup transmission corridor — one of four priority corridors under PET — and the activation of the nearby Maitland Strategic Industrial Area.
Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the partnership model ensures communities benefit directly from WA’s clean energy growth.
“Traditional Owners are invested in the success of the Pilbara Energy Transition, and the Cook government is determined to ensure they gain genuine economic benefits from our clean energy transition.
“The common-use infrastructure approach reduces the need for multiple transmission lines on Country while still unlocking the renewable energy resources of the region.”
NAC has committed to negotiating Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs) to facilitate both the transmission corridor and industrial area developments, with discussions currently underway.
Meanwhile, APA Group has been granted Priority Project status to deliver electricity transmission for the Burrup (Murujuga) Corridor, supporting the broader PET network.
The Pilbara Energy Transition forms part of Western Australia’s strategy to boost renewable generation capacity, reduce emissions from heavy industry, and build clean energy export pathways.
According to data from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA WA), the Pilbara region has some of the best solar and wind resources in the world, offering potential for large-scale hydrogen and green ammonia production.
WA’s renewable energy roadmap positions the state to compete in global green energy markets while ensuring local communities — particularly Traditional Owners — share in the economic benefits of decarbonisation and infrastructure development.
