A pilot hybrid renewable energy project jointly funded by the Western Australian and federal governments has been launched at an event on the Ngaanyatjarra Lands near the South Australian and Northern Territory borders.
The Blackstone Hybrid Energy Project is poised to deliver safer, more reliable, and cleaner energy to the remote Western Australian community of Blackstone (Papulankutja).
Construction of a 778-kilowatt solar array, a two megawatt-hour community battery and 400 kilowatts of diesel generation is due to start in September 2025 and be completed by the end of 2026.
It is supported by a $9.12 million commitment from the Cook Government and $3.68 million from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) as part of its Regional Microgrids Program.
A solar farm and battery system is being built to deliver power of up to 80% renewables for the community of 176 people, 1,575km north-east of Perth.
The new power plant is expected to eliminate the use of high-cost, temporary diesel generation.
The Blackstone Hybrid Energy Project supports the state and Commonwealth governments’ commitments to Closing the Gap by 2031.
The pilot project falls under Horizon Power’s Remote Communities Program, which covers the power services of 117 remote communities and is vital in ensuring all Western Australians, regardless of location, have access to safe, reliable essential services.
Responsibility for the power needs of the remote communities was transferred from the Department of Communities in mid-2023.
Horizon Power has engaged with the Ngaanyatjarra Council, Blackstone community members and the Yarnangu Traditional Owner group, with the project creating local training and employment opportunities during construction and ongoing maintenance.
A Community Energy Fund, valued at $200,000, will reinvest savings into community nominated energy projects such as streetlighting and recreation facilities.
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Images WA Government
