- New agreement to decarbonise one of WA's most iconic tourism destinations
- Up to 80 per cent of Exmouth's electricity needs to be met by renewables by 2026
- New solar farm and batteries to provide electricity to coastal Gascoyne community
- Part of ongoing efforts by the Cook Labor Government to decarbonise regional WA
The Cook Labor Government is continuing to secure Western Australia's clean energy future, with Horizon Power proceeding with an ambitious plan to decarbonise one of the State's most iconic tourism destinations.
As part of a newly-signed power purchase agreement with Pacific Energy, Horizon Power will provide power to Exmouth with a mix of large-scale and rooftop solar, battery storage, and, only when needed, gas-fired generation.
The agreement will involve construction of a 9.6-megawatt (MW) solar farm and two batteries with a combined 10MW/49.6MWh capacity adjacent to the existing Exmouth Power Station.
As a result, Exmouth is expected to have up to 80 per cent of its power needs met by renewable energy as soon as 2026, with construction of the new solar facilities due to commence in mid-2025.
The agreement's signing is the latest step by the Cook Labor Government to decarbonise regional Western Australia following the recent announcement of plans to build transmission on the Burrup Peninsula that can connect industry with emerging renewable energy developments in the Pilbara.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"This project will see Exmouth become a hub for renewable energy, furthering our goal of decarbonising regional centres around the State.
"As we transition to renewables, projects like this will unlock job-creating opportunities and diversify regional economies.
"My Government is committed to transforming Western Australia into a global clean energy powerhouse, providing clean energy for generations to come."
As stated by Energy Minister Reece Whitby:
"This is an exciting step in Western Australia's energy transition that will ensure Exmouth has clean, reliable and affordable energy into the future.
"Not only will construction of a new solar farm and two batteries create local jobs, but it will also directly lead to lower emissions and put regional communities at the forefront of leading our State's decarbonisation.
"In combination with our efforts to decarbonise the Burrup, our Government is showing it is serious about ensuring regional communities are at the forefront of the energy transition."
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"I'm excited about the Cook Labor Government's commitment to decarbonising our region.
"The new solar farm and battery storage in Exmouth will create local jobs and position our communities as leaders in renewable energy.
"This initiative is vital for securing a cleaner future for all Western Australians."
As stated by Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Peter Foster:
"Exmouth deserves a secure supply of a renewable energy, and that's what the Cook Labor Government is delivering with this announcement.
"I'm proud to be part of a Government that puts regional Western Australians at the heart of our State's energy transition."
