Western Australia is embracing its clean energy future with the first project assessed as part of the State Government's Green Energy Approvals Initiative granted approval.
Earlier this month, Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation (YEC) - in partnership with ACEN Australia - received environmental approval for its first solar project of up to 150 megawatts located within a 13,000 square kilometre area in the Pilbara covered by the Yindjibarndi Native Title Determination Area.
Led by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation's green energy directorate, the State Government has worked across multiple agencies to ensure the most efficient approvals pathway for this proposal, as well as a significant number of renewable energy projects being pursued in WA.
YEC's projects will total three gigawatts of solar, wind and storage capacity and, if successful, could become one of Australia's largest renewable energy developments.
It could also play a significant role decarbonising WA, creating sustainable, long-term training and employment opportunities for Aboriginal Australians, and supporting renewable energy uptake by industry in the Pilbara.
The Green Energy Approvals Initiative is delivering coordinated, cross-Government support for proponents and investors.
Now fully operational, the initiative is driving investment in wind and solar power generation, renewable hydrogen industries, lithium mining, and critical minerals processing, as well as the manufacturing of batteries, electrolysers, solar panels, and wind turbines.
View the full media statement.