In an innovative move towards sustainable energy, the remote town of Exmouth in Western Australia's Gascoyne region is poised to run on 80% renewable energy. This significant shift comes as part of a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) between Pacific Energy and the state's energy provider, Horizon Power.
The ambitious project will see the development of a state-of-the-art hybrid system, comprising a 9.6MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant, a 49.6MWh battery energy storage system (BESS), and a 7MW gas power station. This innovative approach aims to substantially reduce the town's reliance on gas, offsetting it with solar energy generation and energy-shifting storage capabilities.
Exmouth, a local government area with approximately 3,000 residents, is situated midway between Perth and Broome. The town's transition to green energy is not just a technological advancement but also a reflection of the community's commitment to preserving their natural surroundings, which include a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mike Hall, chief operating officer of Pacific Energy, emphasized the project's alignment with local aspirations: "It was incumbent on us to demonstrate exactly what an 80%-renewable solution would look like and how we could integrate various technologies into the existing infrastructure to give the town the reliable, decarbonised power system it needs."
The journey towards this green future began in mid-September when Pacific Energy acquired Exmouth's existing gas-fired power station. The integration of renewable energy sources is scheduled to commence in early 2025, with the new system expected to be fully operational by the end of 2026.
Interestingly, while wind energy was initially considered for the project, the region's susceptibility to cyclonic conditions, with wind speeds often exceeding 100km/h, led to the adoption of solar PV as the primary renewable energy source.
This project marks Pacific Energy's first venture into off-grid power solutions, setting a precedent for supplying a substantial portion of a remote town's annual power needs using solar PV and battery storage technologies.
The Exmouth initiative is part of a broader trend in Western Australia's shift towards renewable energy. Recently, Horizon Power signed its first Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) with the Nyul Nyul people of Beagle Bay in Kimberley for a proposed solar PV development, further demonstrating the state's commitment to sustainable and culturally respectful energy solutions.
As Exmouth prepares for its green energy transformation, it stands as a beacon of progress, showcasing how remote communities can embrace renewable technologies to create a more sustainable future while preserving their unique environmental heritage.
