A novel First-Nations-led clean energy project 

This new partnership brings underrepresented voices into the renewables industry

Spotted: The International Energy Agency (IEA) said in its updated roadmap to Net Zero Emissions by 2050 that “production capacity for many key materials and technologies needs to be scaled up to align with net zero ambitions.” Part of that vision for the future includes the use of hydrogen and hydrogen-based fuels in heavy industry and long-distance transportation, and a First Nations-led project in northern Australia is building the capacity to become a significant contributor.  

The Aboriginal Clean Energy (ACE) Partnership brings together the MG Corporation, Balanggarra Ventures, Kimberley Land Council, and Pollination to build the first green energy export project with a majority stake held by traditional owners. The large-scale green hydrogen and ammonia export business could become Australia’s largest producer of green hydrogen. 

The federal government recently committed $1.6 million AUD to a feasibility study of the project. Plans in scope include a 2,000-hectare solar farm located on MG Corporation freehold land near Kununurra that will use existing infrastructure to transport electricity and materials to and from the site.  

The farm should produce 1,000 megawatts of energy that will be combined with locally produced hydropower energy and water to produce green hydrogen. After being piped north to Balanggarra Country in Wyndham, the hydrogen will be converted to green ammonia for local and international use in fertilisers and explosives. The project is expected to produce around 250,000 tonnes per year of renewable hydrogen and ammonia, and construction is planned to begin in 2025 with first products available by 2028.  

Written By: Keely Khoury