A new hybrid renewable energy project jointly funded by the State and Commonwealth governments will deliver safer, more reliable and cleaner energy to the remote Western Australian community of Blackstone (Papulankutja).
The Blackstone Hybrid Energy Project was officially launched at an on-Country event on the Ngaanyatjarra Lands near the South Australian and Northern Territory borders.
A solar farm and battery system will be built to deliver power of up to 80 per cent renewables for the community of 176 people, 1,575 kilometres north-east of Perth.
The new power plant will eliminate the use of high-cost, temporary diesel generation.
It is a pilot project under our 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.
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 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.
The Blackstone project will test a scalable hybrid energy plant to assist the future design for other, similar-sized remote communities.
Horizon Power has engaged extensively 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.
The Blackstone Hybrid Energy Project supports the State and Commonwealth governments' commitments to Closing the Gap by 2031.
Further information about Horizon Power's key achievements in other remote communities can be found in the Horizon Power Remote Communities 2024-2025 milestone brochure
Horizon Power acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain images, names or voices of deceased people.