Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation 50-megawatt solar farm to fuel decarbonisation efforts in Pilbara

Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation, Perdaman and the State Government have entered into a collaboration to build a 50-megawatt solar farm at the Ngarluma Green Energy Park on NAC’s native title determination south of Karratha.

The solar farm will be the first project for Ngarluma’s Green Energy Parks will feed into the common-use Maitland-Karratha-Burrup transmission corridor and aid the activation of the Maitland Strategic Industrial Area.

The State Government will provide $2.7 million for the 100 per cent traditional owner-owned and operated business to undertake surveys, approvals works and technical activities over the next 12 months.

Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation and Ngarluma Green Energy director Belinda Churnside said the Ngarluma people were proud to be leaders in developing renewable energy on their land.

“Ngarluma Green Energy Parks will be a game changer for the fast and straightforward development of large-scale renewable projects,” she said.

“It is 100 per cent owned and operated by NAC for the benefit of Ngarluma people. We very much appreciate the support and partnership we have with Perdaman and the State to help NAC activate the first Green Energy Park as soon as 2027.”

Perdaman chair Vikas Rambal said the company shared a vision with NAC and the State Government to make renewables a major player in the region.

“I am proud to be working hand-in-hand with the Ngarluma people to transform the Karratha region into a global renewable energy hub and the export engine of Australia,” he said.

Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson, who is also Minister for the Pilbara, said the project marked a big step in WA’s energy transition.

“Creating jobs through our Pilbara Energy Transition Plan is a key part of the Cook Government’s drive to make Western Australia a renewable energy powerhouse,” she said.

“Supporting Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation and Perdaman in this landmark partnership is another step in decarbonising the Pilbara and realising the considerable benefits of the region’s renewable energy resources.”

Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel said the collaboration would deliver real benefits for the region, communities and industry.

“Today is an important milestone as we realise the ambition of traditional owners and major industry to help decarbonise the Pilbara,” he said.

It is hoped the solar farm will be connected to Perdaman’s Project Ceres Urea Plant by the end of 2027.