Papulankutja Hybrid Energy Solution

Summary

Need

Horizon Power assumed responsibility for the delivery of power to 117 remote Aboriginal communities on 1 July 2023. Critical insights have been gained from Horizon Power’s first 18 months of operations, with many generation assets nearing end-of-life and in urgent need of replacement. Blackstone power station rebuild will act as a pilot project to test a hybrid renewable generation asset within the context of a remote First Nations community and establish a replicable model for the broader procurement and implementation of high-penetration renewable energy in other remote First Nations communities. With a focus on Closing the Gap, successful delivery of a scaleable solution will enable all remote customers to have access to the same standard of power as those living in similar sized communities.

ARENA’s, First Nations Community Microgrids stream is being delivered under the Regional Microgrids Program, which allocates $75 million for microgrid projects in First Nations communities, aiming to deliver cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable energy, and empower the communities in their electricity supply arrangements.

Action

The project will deliver a high penetration, 80% renewable energy solution, consisting of a 582kW solar photovoltaic (PV) array, a 2 MWh battery storage solution, and 400kW diesel generation. Horizon Power has worked closely with the Blackstone community and Ngaanyatjarra council, building strong relationships with key representatives to ensure the voice of the community and Traditional Owners are captured in the development of the solution. This is evidenced as an example through the site selection for the new solution, which is to be located further from community and setback from the road, based on community sentiment and preferences.

Outcome

The Project will deliver important community benefits, including recurring payments from the land lease agreement, the implementation of a community energy fund allowing the community to nominate energy related projects of their choice, a Reliability Training fund to allow upskilling and training, employment opportunities and a reduction in carbon emissions.

Additional impact

The project seeks to provide local employment opportunities during delivery through our EPC engagement of local resources and provide increased economic benefit to the community through engagement of local business and supply chains.

The Reliability and Training program will provide additional capacity in Ngaanyatjarra Services skill base, creating additional engagement opportunities across their footprint.

More broadly, once replicated the initiative will empower other remote Aboriginal communities with scalable, cost-effective, and reliable renewable energy.

Once complete the existing site will be decommissioned and rehabilitated to remove surface contamination, and this will result in significant noise reduction and improved environmental outcomes for residents.