Thursday 5th December 2024 – YEC welcomes the WA Government’s decision to be awarded Project Priority status for the Chichester Range Transmission Corridor. The Chichester Range Corridor is one of four priority corridors identified by the WA Government for the development of new common-use transmission infrastructure in the Pilbara.
This designation ensures that YEC, as the successful proponent will receive the necessary support and resources for timely development, unlocking access for renewable energy projects within the western Pilbara to the market.
“This is fantastic news for Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation. As one of Australia’s largest Indigenous-led renewable energy initiatives, YEC is proud to be developing large-scale renewable energy projects to decarbonise Pilbara mining and industrial companies.
Importantly, this designation also allows YEC to access government support and funding through the government’s Rewiring the Nation program, further supporting our vision for a First Nations led, greener future in the region,” said YEC CEO, Craig Ricato.
YEC proposes to develop high-voltage, common-user transmission infrastructure, linking Yindjibarndi Ngurra and the western Pilbara region to the North West Interconnected System (NWIS) through the Maitland Strategic Industrial Area, a significant industrial development zone situated approximately 24 km west of Karratha and 39 km south of Dampier Port in Western Australia.
YEC is currently developing Project Baru in the northwest of Yindjibarndi Ngurra. This project comprises a ~300MW wind farm and a ~250MW solar array, with an option to include a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). In the longer term, YEC aim to develop 2-3GW of combined wind and solar energy within Yindjibarndi Ngurra to facilitate the decarbonisation of the Pilbara and support new green industry initiatives.
Formed in 2023, YEC is one of Australia’s largest Indigenous-led renewable energy initiatives, aiming to develop up to 3GW of wind, solar, and energy storage projects within the 13,000 km² in the Yindjibarndi Native Title Determination Areas.
Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation (YEC) is a partnership between Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC) and ACEN Corporation. YEC’s projects represent a significant step towards decarbonising the Pilbara, showcasing our commitment to innovative energy solutions and the empowerment of Indigenous communities.
