The Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation (YEC) will begin construction of the Jinbi solar project in the Pilbara, after reaching financial close and securing a 30-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with mining giant Rio Tinto.
The achievement marks a major moment for one of Australia’s largest Indigenous-led renewable energy initiatives. Reaching financial close confirms that all funding, government approvals, and contractual arrangements are now locked in, allowing construction to begin immediately on Yindjibarndi Ngurra (Country).
Under the terms of the PPA, YEC will supply 100 per cent of the electricity generated by the Jinbi facility to Rio Tinto. The partnership is a core component of Rio Tinto’s strategy to decarbonise its massive iron ore operations in the Pilbara.
Stage 1 of the project will feature a 75-megawatt alternating current (MWac) solar facility, with provisions already in place to double capacity to 150MWac. The plans also include the potential integration of battery energy storage systems (BESS) to ensure reliable supply.
“Reaching financial close on our first project in the Pilbara within three years of the partnership’s operation is a significant milestone for YEC and our shareholders, the Yindjibarndi Traditional Owners and ACEN,” said YEC CEO Craig Ricato.
“It confirms that a Yindjibarndi-led project, grounded in Country and culture, can meet the rigorous commercial requirements of the energy market while staying true to our values and governance responsibilities.”
For the Yindjibarndi people, the project represents more than just a transition to green energy.
Michael Woodley, CEO of Yindjibarndi Nation, emphasised that the project allows Traditional Owners to exercise authority on Country while building a sustainable economic future.
“Jinbi is about more than a renewable energy project – it is about Yindjibarndi people exercising authority on Country and building an economic future that reflects our law, culture and responsibilities,” Woodley said.
Early site works are already being spearheaded by Yurra, a Yindjibarndi Nation enterprise, with full-scale construction to be managed by DT Infrastructure. The project is slated to reach full commercial operations by mid-2028.
The milestone reflects the completion of a disciplined and deliberate commercial development process, and the establishment of robust governance, contractual and financing arrangements consistent with both Yindjibarndi and ACEN values and priorities.