The Western Australian Government will invest $27 million in renewable energy for remote Aboriginal communities through regional energy provider Horizon Power.
The Mid-year Review funding will enable Horizon Power, as part of its ReGen program, to upgrade 13 standalone power systems and undertake the planning and early-stage procurement activities for upgrades in a further eight communities.
Cockatoo Springs (also known as Ngunulum), approximately 30km from Kununurra, is one of two remote communities in the Kimberley where Horizon Power has already delivered renewable upgrades.
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Since the upgrades were completed in July, the Cockatoo Springs community operates on 63% renewable energy.
Diesel dependency will be reduced by up to 92% and diesel consumption by approximately 35,000L annually, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 91 tonnes of CO₂ a year.
These upgrades also eliminated the safety risks associated with manual generator refuelling and reduced diesel costs for residents.
The latest funding will see these benefits rolled out more widely, in alignment with the state government’s Made in WA plan, which promotes opportunities for local suppliers and builds local capability and capacity in regional WA.
Horizon Power assumed responsibility for the power supply needs of 117 remote communities from the Department of Communities in July 2023.
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Horizon Power acting CEO Krystal Skinner said, “Horizon Power is proud to be delivering the ReGen program on behalf of the state government, which will deliver safer, more reliable, and cleaner energy solutions to remote Aboriginal communities across Western Australia.
“We are committed to supporting the state’s Closing the Gap targets by ensuring equitable access to clean energy and creating meaningful opportunities for Aboriginal engagement and local industry participation. These upgrades not only enhance safety and reliability but also empower communities to shape their energy future.
“Horizon Power will continue working closely with Traditional Owners and local partners to deliver lasting benefits and build a brighter, more sustainable future for all Western Australians.”
