A landmark agreement between the members of the Pilbara Industry Roundtable (PIR) has recognised the importance of increased use of renewable energy in the region.
“This agreement is a historic accord between Government and key industry players in the Pilbara, recognising that to reach our ambitious decarbonisation goals common use electrical infrastructure is key,” WA Energy Minister Bill Johnston said.
“This is a landmark agreement for our clean energy future and the economic development of the Pilbara and our State.
“The agreement recognises that electrical infrastructure development should empower local Aboriginal groups.”
Members of the Pilbara Industry Roundtable include Johnston and representatives from Rio Tinto, BHP, Fortescue, Roy Hill, Woodside Energy, Horizon Power, Alinta Energy, BP, TransAlta, Pilbara Independent System Operator Company, and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia.
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The PIR met four times in the past year to oversee a works program modelling future electricity demand scenarios.
It assessed the current regulatory framework, examined land tenure arrangements, and explored social licence with a focus on empowering local Aboriginal people.
The PIR agreement recognises the challenges and opportunities that decarbonisation presents for industry and the region.
WA Climate Action Minister Reece Whitby said this is a significant step towards a clean energy future.
“It’s important we work together with major resources companies to reach our ambitious decarbonisation targets,” Whitby said.
“Our vision is for Western Australia to become a world leader in renewable energy. Our Government is committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
“Decarbonising WA’s economy to protect our environment for future generations is essential to the growth and diversification of our State.”