The WA Government has announced it will invest $27 million in renewable energy for remote Aboriginal communities throughout the state.
The Mid-year Review funding will enable Horizon Power, as part of its ReGen program, to upgrade 13 standalone power systems and undertake the planning and early-stage procurement activities for upgrades in a further eight communities.
“This investment demonstrates the Cook Government’s commitment to ensuring our renewable energy transition is available for all Western Australians, no matter where they live,” said Energy and Decarbonisation Minister, Amber-Jade Sanderson.
“As this renewables program expands, we will be another step closer to providing safer, more reliable, and equitable power solutions for First Nations people across Western Australia.”
Cockatoo Springs (also known as Ngunulum), approximately 30 kilometres from Kununurra, is one of two remote communities in the Kimberley where Horizon Power has already delivered renewable upgrades.
Since the upgrades were completed in July, the Cockatoo Springs community operates on 63% renewable energy.
Diesel dependency will be reduced by up to 92% and diesel consumption by approximately 35,000 litres annually, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 91 tonnes of COâ‚‚ a year.
These upgrades also eliminated the safety risks associated with manual generator refuelling and reduced diesel costs for residents.
“This investment will ensure remote Aboriginal communities have access to modern power systems that deliver safer, cleaner, and more reliable energy while reducing environmental impacts,” said Aboriginal Affairs Minister, Don Punch.
“These upgrades will lower costs, reduce diesel dependency, and cut emissions – creating a more sustainable future while also supporting the Cook Government’s ongoing commitment to Closing the Gap.”
Horizon Power assumed responsibility for the power supply needs of 117 remote communities from the Department of Communities in July 2023.
