New Exmouth solar facility agreement could see tourist town powered by mostly renewable energy

Exmouth could have 80 per cent of its power needs met as soon as 2026 thanks to the construction of new solar facilities. As part of a newly-signed power purchase agreement with Pacific Energy, Horizon Power will provide power to Exmouth with a mix of large-scale and rooftop solar, battery storage and, only when needed, gas-fired generation. The agreement will involve construction of a 9.6-megawatt solar farm and two batteries with a combined 10MW/49.6MWh capacity adjacent to the existing Exmouth Power Station. The agreement’s signing comes after the Labor Government’s recent announcement of plans to build transmission on the Burrup Peninsula that can connect industry with emerging renewable energy developments in the Pilbara. “I’m excited about the Cook Labor Government’s commitment to decarbonising our region,” Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel said. “The new solar farm and battery storage in Exmouth will create local jobs and position our communities as leaders in renewable energy. “This initiative is vital for securing a cleaner future for all Western Australians.”