- Pilot project to deliver 80 per cent renewable solar and battery power to Blackstone community
- Jointly funded by Cook and Albanese governments through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency
- Project demonstrates State and Commonwealth commitment to Closing the Gap
A new hybrid renewable energy project jointly funded by the Cook and Albanese governments will deliver safer, more reliable and cleaner energy to the remote Western Australian community of Blackstone (Papulankutja).
The Blackstone Hybrid Energy Project was officially launched at an on-Country event on the Ngaanyatjarra Lands near the South Australian and Northern Territory borders.
A solar farm and battery system will be built to deliver power of up to 80 per cent renewables for the community of 176 people, 1,575 kilometres north-east of Perth.
The new power plant will eliminate the use of high-cost, temporary diesel generation.
It is a pilot project under Horizon Power's Remote Communities program, which covers the power services of 117 remote communities and is vital in ensuring all Western Australians, regardless of location, have access to safe, reliable essential services.
Responsibility for the power needs of the remote communities was transferred from the Department of Communities in mid-2023.
Construction of a 778-kilowatt solar array, a two megawatt-hour community battery and 400 kilowatts of diesel generation is due to start in September and be completed by the end of 2026.
It is supported by a $9.12 million commitment from the Cook Government and $3.68 million from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) as part of its Regional Microgrids Program.
The Blackstone project will test a scalable hybrid energy plant to assist the future design for other, similar-sized remote communities.
Horizon Power has engaged extensively with the Ngaanyatjarra Council, Blackstone community members and the Yarnangu Traditional Owner group, with the project creating local training and employment opportunities during construction and ongoing maintenance.
A Community Energy Fund, valued at $200,000, will reinvest savings into community nominated energy projects such as streetlighting and recreation facilities.
The Blackstone Hybrid Energy Project supports the State and Commonwealth governments' commitments to Closing the Gap by 2031.
Further information about Horizon Power's key achievements in other remote communities can be found in the Horizon Power Remote Communities 2024-2025 milestone brochure .
As stated by Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"The Blackstone Hybrid Energy Project offers an innovative and cost-effective renewable energy model for remote communities in Western Australia.
"It reflects our commitment to partnering with Traditional Owners to deliver energy equity and create economic opportunities for Aboriginal communities as we transition to net zero by 2050.
"Our energy solutions must continue to reflect local needs to support the delivery of safe, reliable power in some of the most 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.
"We will continue to work in partnership with Aboriginal communities to deliver tailored, appropriate energy solutions that empower and uplift First Nations people."
As stated by Federal Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen:
"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."
As stated by Special Envoy for Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Kate Thwaites:
"The Albanese Government is proud to support this innovative project through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency Regional Microgrids Program.
"This 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."
