Perdaman Launches 1.2 GW Indigenous-Backed Green Energy Hub in WA
A 50 megawatt (MW) solar project located near Karratha is set to be the inaugural phase of an ambitious 5 gigawatt (GW) energy scheme, spearheaded by Perdaman, a major chemicals company based in Western Australia.
This solar initiative will integrate with Perdaman’s $4.5 billion Project Ceres urea manufacturing facility, situated on the Burrup Peninsula close to the Pilbara town, as well as connect to the local electricity grid, as indicated in a statement from the Western Australian government.
Connection Timeline and Partnerships
The solar project is anticipated to be linked to the urea production plant by the end of 2027, with concrete agreements expected to be finalised by the close of this year.
Moreover, this undertaking will serve as the premier project within a broader energy park, aiming for a capacity of up to 1.2 GW, which is being developed by the Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation (NAC).
Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation’s Energy Vision
The NAC’s vision for the energy park involves leasing its land holdings in the Pilbara to developers focused on green energy. This offer includes land that possesses established access and has received necessary heritage, environmental approvals, planning, and commercial pathways.
The Western Australian government is supporting this initiative and had previously pledged $2.7 million last December for the inaugural hub, which will be utilised for surveys, approvals, and technical work over the next year.
Significance of Ngarluma Country
Ngarluma country encompasses a significant portion of the coastal regions in western Pilbara and includes notable towns such as Karratha, Roebourne, Wickham, Cape Lambert, extending to Whim Creek. This area hosts some of the Pilbara’s major industries, including Rio Tinto Iron Ore, Dampier Salt, Woodside, Yara, and Perdaman.
Belinda Churnside, director of Ngarluma Green Energy, remarked, “Ngarluma Green Energy Parks will fundamentally transform the swift and straightforward development of large-scale renewable projects. This initiative is completely owned and run by NAC for the benefit of the Ngarluma people. We grateful for the partnership with Perdaman and the state, aiming to activate the first green energy park as early as 2027.”
Integration with State-wide Initiatives
According to a statement from WA’s energy minister Amber Jade Sanderson, the solar project will also connect to the Maitland-Karratha-Burrup transmission line, part of four corridors that the Cook government is prioritising to expedite the decarbonisation of heavy industry in the northern region by providing renewable energy sources.
