$27m clean energy investment for remote communities
The WA State Government is to invest $27 million in renewable energy for remote Aboriginal communities throughout Western Australia.
The government says the 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 will ensure remote Aboriginal communities have access to modern power systems that deliver safer, cleaner, and more reliable energy while reducing environmental impacts,” Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch said.
Sustainable future
“These upgrades will lower costs, reduce diesel dependency, and cut emissions – creating a more sustainable future while also supporting the Government’s ongoing commitment to Closing the Gap.”
- Government delivering infrastructure for all Western Australians
- $27 million invested to upgrade power supplies in remote communities
- Upgrades deliver safer, more reliable power, and reduction in diesel
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 per cent renewable energy.
Diesel dependency will be reduced by up to 92 per cent and diesel consumption by approximately 35,000 litres annually, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 91 tonnes of CO₂ a year.
These upgrades also eliminated the safety risks associated with manual generator refuelling and reduced diesel costs for residents.
The latest funding will see these benefits rolled out more widely, in alignment with the Government’s Made in WA plan, which promotes opportunities for local suppliers and builds local capability and capacity in regional WA.
Closing the Gap commitment
This work is an important step forward the Government has stated, in its ongoing commitment to Closing the Gap by 2031.
Horizon Power assumed responsibility for the power supply needs of 117 remote communities from the Department of Communities in July 2023.
Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said as the renewables program expands, they would be another step closer to providing safer, more reliable, and equitable power solutions for First Nations people across Western Australia.”
“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,” she said.
