Australian energy provider Pacific Energy, through its renewable subsidiary Hybrid Systems Australia, has announced a joint three-year memorandum of understanding with the Gumala Aboriginal Corporation to deliver sustainable, renewable energy to remote Indigenous communities, writes Gavin Dennett.
The Gumala Aboriginal Corporation (GAC) is one of Australia’s largest Aboriginal corporations, serving the Banjima, Yinhawangka and Nyiyaparli people of the Pilbara region in Western Australia.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) has an initial three-year term, and under it the GAC will identify remote communities in the Pilbara region for the introduction of sustainable, renewable energy, which aims to reduce a reliance on fossil fuel generators.
Hybrid Systems will convert these remote communities to hybrid power through the installation of the company’s Stand-Alone-Power-Systems (SPS), which consist of reliable renewable energy supplied from solar panels, battery storage and a back-up generator.
Two SPS units have already been installed at the Bidiltha and Wirrillimarra communities in Western Australia, with further installations to be rolled out during the course of the joint partnership.
“We are delighted to have entered this partnership with GAC, and to be able to utilise our skills and experience in remote, hybrid energy generation to add to the incredible work and initiatives GAC undertakes to benefit the lives and futures of the Banjima, Yinhawangka and Nyiyaparli traditional owners,” said Pacific Energy CEO Jamie Cullen.
“This is a practical, useful and environmentally responsible way that Pacific Energy is utilising our specialist capabilities to give back to local communities.”
GAC’s executive officer, Justin Dhu, said the partnership with Pacific Energy and Hybrid Systems will greatly benefit the Pilbara region’s Indigenous communities.
“Through the leadership of the Gumala board, we are dedicated to investing in sustainable power solutions in our homeland communities to improve the quality of life and living standards of our members,” he said.
“We are looking forward to seeing the outcome of this partnership during the next three years.”