Yindjibarndi Energy Corp. Closes Financing for Jinbi Solar Project in Australia
A landmark renewable energy initiative in Western Australia has reached a critical milestone. The Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation (YEC), an innovative Aboriginal-led venture, has officially achieved financial close for its Jinbi Solar Project. This pivotal step greenlights the construction of a major solar facility in the Pilbara region, set to power the operations of mining giant Rio Tinto.
Unveiling the Jinbi Solar Project in the Pilbara
The Jinbi Solar Project represents a significant leap forward for Indigenous participation in Australia’s clean energy transition. Located on Yindjibarndi Country, approximately 55 kilometers south of Karratha, the project is a cornerstone of YEC’s vision to develop more than 3 GW of renewable energy capacity.
The project will be developed in stages. The first phase will see the construction of a 75 MWac solar facility. There is a clear path for expansion, with an option to double the capacity to 150 MWac and potentially integrate a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), pending further approvals.
This development follows the project receiving environmental approval in June 2024 under Western Australia’s Green Energy Approvals Initiative. With financing secured, early construction works are already underway, and the project is targeted to become commercially operational by mid-2028.
Rio Tinto’s Landmark Partnership for Jinbi Solar Project
Central to this achievement is a 30-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Rio Tinto. Under the terms of the deal, YEC will supply 100% of the electricity generated by the Jinbi project to help decarbonize Rio Tinto’s extensive iron ore operations in the Pilbara. This agreement formalizes a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two parties in 2023, solidifying a long-term collaboration focused on sustainable development.
Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation itself is a powerful collaboration, formed as a joint venture between the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation and the Philippines-based energy developer ACEN Corporation. This structure ensures the Yindjibarndi people are not just stakeholders but central partners and beneficiaries in the development of renewable resources on their ancestral lands.
DT Infrastructure has been appointed as the EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) contractor for the project, with Rapid Camps providing accommodation. The official notice to proceed was issued immediately following the signing of the PPA.
Jinbi Solar Project: The First of Many
The Jinbi Solar Project is the first initiative from YEC’s impressive portfolio to reach financial close since the corporation’s establishment in 2023. It serves as a powerful proof of concept for a much larger ambition. YEC has a pipeline of over 1.5 GW of solar, wind, and battery projects planned, demonstrating a clear and scalable strategy for a renewable energy future led by First Nations people.
This project is more than just a power plant; it is a model for economic self-determination and a testament to how traditional owners and major industries can partner to achieve shared goals of decarbonization and sustainable prosperity. As construction begins, the Jinbi Solar Project shines a light on a cleaner, more inclusive future for the Australian energy landscape.
