Low cost renewable energy
for the Pilbara and South East Asia
The Asian Renewable Energy Hub will generate 9,000 MW of renewable energy in Western Australia. 3,000 MW will be dedicated to large energy users in the Pilbara region, which could include new and expanded mines, downstream mineral processing and the production of hydrogen for domestic and export markets. 6,000 MW will be exported to South East Asia through undersea High Voltage DC transmission cables.
From a 14,000-square kilometre initial land package, 7,000 square kilometres of prime land in the East Pilbara region of Western Australia was selected to accommodate at least 6,000 MW of Vestas wind turbines and 3,000 MW of solar photovoltaic panels. Outstanding wind and solar resource and large scale will result in competitive, firm renewable energy generation.
Project development commenced in 2014 with a study of the entire north-west coast of Western Australia. Project land has been secured through an Exclusive Development License with the WA Department of Lands, the traditional owners are actively engaged and supportive, onshore and offshore development studies are underway, a consortium of global renewable energy leaders has been assembled, and most importantly, the Governments of Indonesia and Singapore have been engaged, as well as large energy users in the Pilbara.
Location
The Asian Renewable Energy Hub encompasses 7,000 square kilometres of land in the East Pilbara region of Western Australia. It is on the traditional lands of the Nyangumarta people, who have been closely engaged in the project since its inception, and have actively participated in site ecological studies. The project provides enormous job, skills, revenue and other opportunities for the traditional owners, all enabled by renewable energy.
Timeline
Site search and feasibility study commenced
2014
Preferred site identified
2015
Engagement with Nyangumarta people commenced
2015
Development license signed with WA Government
2016
Onshore and Offshore studies began
2017
EIA referral documents submitted
2017
Financial investment decision
2020
Construction to commence
2023
Project fully operational
2029
Project Benefits
The Asian Renewable Energy Hub will create benefits for a wide range of stakeholders:
- In Indonesia, new manufacturing facilities will be established to manufacture and assemble the wind and solar generating equipment to be installed through the project. This will create skilled high-tech jobs, will develop a local supply chain and will result in technology and knowledge transfer.
- In Australia, the project will generate cheap clean energy for the Pilbara region, which will be a catalyst for new economic activity, diversification and growth. Many jobs will be created for the construction, maintenance and operations of the wind and solar generation equipment. There are particular opportunities for the traditional owners, the Nyangumarta people, to develop new skills, jobs and revenue, which will provide long-term, enduring community benefits.
- The project will generate power for over 7 million homes in Indonesia and will offset almost 1.5 billion tonnes of CO2 over the life of the project.