Oil and gas explorer Pilot Energy has received a non-binding proposal from renewable energy developer EDP Renewables APAC to acquire full ownership of the 376MW Three Springs solar farm in Western Australia.
Solar PV Project in Three Springs, Western Australia
The project is located in the Shire of Three Springs in Western Australia’s Mid-West region, approximately 310 kilometres north of the state capital, Perth. Earlier assessments estimated the total development cost for the solar PV project at roughly AU$ 440 million.
The solar plant is expected to have a 25-year lifespan and operate at 90% of its original capacity over that period. Afterwards, the project could be decommissioned and the land restored to its pre-development condition.
“The proposed sale is a great result for the company, which will provide significant capital to progress the Cliff Head Carbon Storage Project and the acquisition of the Cliff Head joint venture interests while also accelerating the development of renewable energy sources in the Mid-West to power the Mid-West Clean Energy Project,” said Brad Lingo, Pilot Energy Chairman.
Mid-West Clean Energy: Green Ammonia Production Hub
According to a statement from Pilot Energy, EDP Renewables APAC has offered AU$ 11.5 million (USD 7.8 million/EUR 7.1 million) for the Three Springs Solar plant, which will supply power to produce low-carbon ammonia as part of the Mid West Clean Energy Project.
The Mid-West Clean Energy Project aims to establish Western Australia as a key hub for green hydrogen and green ammonia production. Starting in 2027, the project is slated to produce and sell 1.2 million tonnes of clean ammonia annually to international and domestic markets.
This large-scale initiative will rely on renewable energy from wind and solar PV delivered via the grid. The Three Springs solar plant will connect to the ammonia production facility—about 100km to its west—through a private mid-voltage transmission network. The project may also supply energy to external customers.
Pilot’s Transition to Carbon Management and Clean Energy
Pilot Energy is a junior oil and gas exploration and production company diversifying into carbon management projects and the production of hydrogen and clean ammonia for export to emerging clean energy markets in the APAC region. The company aims to leverage its existing oil and gas operations and infrastructure to support these developments.
As part of the Mid West Clean Energy Project, Pilot Energy is proposing Australia’s first offshore carbon storage project. The plan involves converting the Cliff Head Oilfield and its infrastructure from oil production into a carbon storage facility.
The company currently holds a 21.25% interest in the Cliff Head Oilfield and its infrastructure, which will increase to 100% after acquiring Triangle Energy (Global) Pty Limited’s stake. Additionally, Pilot holds a 100% interest in both greenhouse gas exploration license G-12-AP and exploration permit WA-481-P, both located offshore in the Mid West of Western Australia.
