MANILA, Philippines — ACEN Corp. is further expanding its reach in Australia with a partnership with global mining firm Rio Tinto to develop renewable energy (RE) supplies for the mining firm’s operations in the world’s biggest iron ore region.
ACEN’s subsidiary Yindjibarndi Energy Corp. (YEC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Rio Tinto to explore opportunities to collaborate on renewable energy projects on Yindjibarndi country in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
Under the MOU, both firms will study and evaluate the possible development of wind and solar power, as well as battery energy storage systems.
“This MOU signifies more than just a partnership; it’s a testament to the shared vision of sustainable energy development on Yindjibarndi Ngurra. It is the perfect blend of traditional significance and modern technology, designed to harness the limitless potential of the Pilbara’s sun and wind, while respecting the deep-rooted connection of the Yindjibarndi people with their land,” ACEN International CEO Patrice Clausse said in a statement.
Rio Tinto is assessing the development of approximately 300 megawatts (MW) of solar projects.
Currently, Rio Tinto operates four gas-fired power stations in the Pilbara. It estimates about 600- to 700-MW of renewable generation to displace the majority of gas use across its network.
“We are focused on repowering our Pilbara operations with renewable energy through the end of this decade and beyond by replacing gas and diesel with clean energy alternatives. The Pilbara is blessed with abundant year-round sunshine and strong winds at night, making it one of the most attractive places in the world to harness solar and wind power for energy generation,” Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Simon Trott said.
The collaboration opportunities being explored by Rio Tinto and YEC will be complementary to renewable energy developments on Rio Tinto Iron Ore’s electricity grid.
“We recognize we have a large carbon footprint in the Pilbara and are exploring a number of innovative solutions to help address this, including future collaborations with other Traditional Owner groups in the region,” Trott said.
YEC was established in June following an agreement between Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corp. (YAC) and ACEN to progress the development of major renewable energy projects on Yindjibarndi Ngurra–an area covering approximately 13,000 km2 within the Yindjibarndi Native Title Determination Areas.
YEC’s initial plans include a Stage 1 target of 750-MW of combined wind, solar, and battery storage with construction to commence within the next few years.
The collaboration opportunities being considered by Rio Tinto and YEC relate to some of these Stage 1 projects.
Meanwhile, Rio Tinto has committed to reducing its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50 percent by 2030 across its global operations, with an estimated $7.5 billion planned to be spent on decarbonization projects, predominantly in the second half of the decade. These projects will support a longer-term ambition of net zero emissions by 2050.
Rio Tinto’s rail network, which connects its Pilbara mines to ports at Cape Lambert and Dampier in Western Australia, traverses Yindjibarndi Country. Rio Tinto has held a Participation Agreement and Indigenous Land Use Agreement with YAC, the representative body for the Yindjibarndi people, since 2013.
Last year, Rio Tinto and YAC signed an updated agreement aimed at strengthening ties and delivering improved social and economic outcomes for the Yindjibarndi people.
The agreement reflects a joint commitment to work together to create more opportunities for the Yindjibarndi people to participate in Rio Tinto’s operations, including direct and indirect employment opportunities, and build sustainable long-term benefits to the community.
ACEN, the listed energy platform of the Ayala Group, has 4,500-MW of attributable capacity from owned facilities in the Philippines, Australia, Vietnam, Indonesia and India, with a renewable share of 98 percent, which is among the highest in the region.