Pilbara Energy Transition Plan FAQ

This is the term given to reducing carbon emissions as a major step towards limiting the impact of climate change. In the Pilbara, decarbonisation involves transitioning from the use of natural gas and diesel for power generation to renewable energy sources, like wind and solar power.

We need to reduce our carbon emissions to limit the impact of climate change and protect the land, sea, sky and waterways.

The State Government has committed to a target of Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050. The Pilbara region currently contributes around 40% of WA’s total emissions because of the fossil fuel that is used to generate electricity used by major industry. This means the region has an important role to play in meeting WA’s emission reduction targets.

The Pilbara Energy Transition (PET) Plan is to help decarbonisation in the region happen as soon as possible, largely through the development of common use transmission infrastructure to connect new renewable energy projects to where electricity is used. This involves having one main set of shared power lines to move energy across an area, rather than having many separate power lines running across different spaces.

As part of the Expression of Interest process launched at the Pilbara Roundtable on 13 September 2024, companies looking to develop transmission projects within the four priority corridors (shown below) were able to apply for Priority Project status.

Designated Priority Projects will receive a State Government recommendation to be considered for concessional financing from WA's allocation of up to $3 billion under the Australian Government's Rewiring the Nation program, administered by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation. 

The four Designated Priority Corridors that have been identified for new common use transmission infrastructure in the Pilbara are:

• The Burrup (Murujuga) Corridor to link the Maitland Strategic Industrial Area (SIA), with Karratha and the Burrup SIA.
   
• The Chichester Range Corridor to connect the Maitland SIA with an area with excellent conditions for wind power generation, around 50 to 100 kilometres further south towards the Chichester Range.
   
• The Hamersley Range Corridor to connect the Boodarie SIA and Port Hedland with the eastern edge of the Hamersley Range.
   
• The Great Sandy Desert Corridor to link the Boodarie SIA and Port Hedland with proposed renewable generation projects further east near the Great Sandy Desert.

There are 32 Native Title holders, or claim groups, in the Pilbara Energy Transition Plan footprint. These are:

• Banjima Native Title Aboriginal Corporation
   
• Budina Aboriginal Corporation
   
• Buurabalayji Thalanyji Aboriginal Corporation
   
• Gobawarrah Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporation
   
• Jamukurnu Yapalikurnu Aboriginal Corporation
   
• Jidi Jidi Aboriginal Corporation
   
• Jurruru Aboriginal Corporation
   
• Kariyarra Aboriginal Corporation
   
• Kariyarra Pirnthurruna Native Title Group
   
• Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation
   
• Kulyamba Aboriginal Corporation
   
• Kulyakartu Aboriginal Corporation
   
• Marputu Aboriginal Corporation
   
• Mungarlu Ngurrarankatja Rirraunkaja Aboriginal Corporation
   
• Ngarlawangga Aboriginal Corporation
   
• Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation
   
• Nyamal Aboriginal Corporation
   
• Nganhurra Thanardi Garrbu Aboriginal Corporation
   
• Nyangumarta Karajarri Aboriginal Corporation
   
• Nyangumarta Warrarn Aboriginal Corporation
   
• Palyku-Jartayi Aboriginal Corporation
   
• Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation
   
• The Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura Aboriginal Corporation
   
• Wajarri Yamaji Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC
   
• Wanparta Aboriginal Corporation
   
• Wintawari Guruma Aboriginal Corporation
   
• Wirrawandi Aboriginal Corporation
   
• Woodgoomungooh Aboriginal Corporation
   
• Yindjibarndi Ngurra Aboriginal Corporation
   
• Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation
   
• Yinggarda Aboriginal Corporation

• Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporation

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The State Government recognises the important role Traditional Owners have in the energy transition and is providing information, the opportunity to provide feedback and share perspectives, and a range of support initiatives to these groups. 

Learn more about support for Traditional Owners in the PET.

Transmission networks move electricity at high voltages, so for safety reasons some access restrictions will be in place. These restrictions will be as limited as possible but are important to keep people and animals as safe as possible. Click here for more information on transmission infrastructure. 

While making the transition to low emissions renewable energy is an important step in limiting the impact of climate change, it is vital that the impact on Country, including the impact on plants, animals, landscapes and people, is kept to a minimum. It is intended that any transmission projects will be designed to use available land area as effectively as possible, while still allowing for more renewable energy across the Pilbara.

Energy Policy WA and others involved in the energy transition are working closely with Traditional Owner groups to work out the best project routes and avoid sites of cultural significance.

All projects involved will need to meet certain regulatory requirements before commencement, including engagement with Traditional Owners. 

Large scale transmission lines move high voltage energy across a whole network, rather than supplying homes and buildings directly. As such, these transmission lines will not power local communities.

Other energy solutions, including microgrids and stand-alone power systems, are being scoped and developed by the State Government through Horizon Power, to help supply safe, reliable energy to communities in the Pilbara.

The Pilbara Energy Transition will bring new jobs to the region, supporting the future of the energy industry and helping to grow and develop new industries. New roles and opportunities will be available to people who live across the Pilbara, and including the knowledge, perspectives and skills of Traditional Owners and communities is an important part of this plan.

Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs) can also include a requirement to create new jobs and opportunities for communities in their agreements with project developers.

Energy Policy WA Aboriginal Participation Team has been formed to provide ongoing support and information about the energy transition. If you have questions about the Pilbara Energy Transition, or would like information or resources, our team is here to help.

Call: 08 6551 4600
Mobile (call or text): 0419 302 231  
Email: EPWA-AboriginalParticipation@demirs.wa.gov.au