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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider ACEN, indigenous partner to begin solar project construction in Western Australia

ACEN, indigenous partner to begin solar project construction in Western Australia

Published May 11, 2026 04:06 pm

Ayala-led ACEN Corp. announced that its joint venture (JV) with Australia’s Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corp. (YAC) has reached financial close for its solar project in Western Australia.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) on Monday, May 11, ACEN confirmed that Yindjibarndi Energy Corp. (YEC) has completed the necessary funding, contractual agreements, and government approvals for its solar facility in Pilbara.

This financial close will allow the project to move immediately into the construction phase.

The milestone marks the start of construction for one of Australia’s largest indigenous-led renewable energy (RE) initiatives and follows the signing of a 30-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Rio Tinto.

Jinbi solar is the first project to reach this stage for YEC since its establishment three years ago. Under the long-term PPA, YEC will supply 100 percent of the electricity generated by the facility’s first stage to Rio Tinto, supporting the decarbonization of the mining giant’s iron ore operations in Pilbara.

The first stage of Jinbi will feature a 75-megawatt alternating current (MWac), or 102-megawatt direct current (MWdc), solar facility.

The project includes an option to expand to 150-MWac, or 204-MWdc, and may incorporate battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the future, subject to further regulatory approvals.

Following the financial milestone, YEC issued notices to proceed to its engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor, DT Infrastructure, and accommodation provider, Rapid Camps.

Full commercial operations and the start of the 30-year supply period are expected by mid-2028.

Early site works are currently being managed by Yurra, a Yindjibarndi Nation enterprise and YEC’s preferred civil works partner.

The achievement reflects a disciplined commercial development process and a governance structure consistent with the values of both the Yindjibarndi people and ACEN.

YEC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Craig Ricato said reaching financial close within three years is a significant milestone that confirms a Yindjibarndi-led project can meet the rigorous commercial requirements of the energy market while remaining grounded in culture.

Michael Woodley, CEO of Yindjibarndi Nation, emphasized that the project represents the Yindjibarndi people exercising authority on their country and building an economic future that reflects their law and culture.

He added that the milestone proves that indigenous-led development, supported by the right partnerships, can deliver outcomes that are both commercially sound and culturally grounded.

Matthew Holcz, CEO of Rio Tinto Iron Ore, congratulated YEC and acknowledged the leadership of the Yindjibarndi people in reaching this stage.

Patrice Clausse, group chief investment officer (CIO) of ACEN, added that the project demonstrates the strength of the partnership and sets a benchmark for responsible and respectful RE development in Australia. - Gabriell Christel Galant

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