Today, Wednesday 19 July 2023, a Renewable Energy and Lithium Battery Project (the Project) was launched at the Strelley Community and School (Strelley Community) in the Pilbara region. The Strelley Community is located between Port Hedland and Pilbara Minerals’ Pilgangoora Project and is home to the oldest, continually operating, independent Aboriginal community school in Australia.
The Project was jointly supported by Pilbara Minerals and Pacific Energy and was delivered in partnership with the Strelley Community.
The Project comprises a 44.2kW of solar PV (96 solar panels) and 144kWh lithium battery storage system. This new renewable power system will reduce the Strelley Community’s reliance on diesel generators, allowing it to run ‘diesel off’ during the day using solar energy and during the night using battery energy.
This will provide the Strelley Community with significant cost savings by decreasing diesel usage and reducing maintenance costs for the ageing diesel generators. It is estimated that the savings will equate to more than 170 litres of diesel per day, this saving will be redirected and invested by the Strelley Community into its Two-way Science and On-Country Learning curriculum programs. It is also expected to reduce the Strelley Community’s carbon emissions by more than 150 tonnes per year.
Pilbara Minerals’ CEO and MD, Dale Henderson, who attended the event, said the Strelley Community’s remote, off-grid location meant it was required to generate its own power supply.
“Like many remote communities, the Strelley Community relies on diesel-fuelled power generators for electricity supply, which is costly and emissions intensive,” Mr Henderson said.
“This solar power and lithium battery system will deliver environmental benefits and a big cost saving to the Strelley Community, freeing up funds for further education purposes, so it’s a win-win all round,” he continued.
“I would like to acknowledge Terry Butler-Blaxell and Ingrid Walkley from Strelley Community for their foresight and pursuit of this fantastic initiative. I am proud that Pilbara Minerals and Pacific Energy, our power generation partner at Pilgangoora, could assist them in realising their ambition.”
“This project aligns with Pilbara Minerals’ purpose of making a difference in the world and powering the world’s transition to net zero.”
Pacific Energy’s Chief Executive, Jamie Cullen, said the power provider worked with the Strelley Community and Pilbara Minerals to find a custom solution that would ensure positive cost, environmental and educational outcomes.
“Keeping remote communities and sites connected is at the heart of what we do, but being involved in meaningful initiatives like this one, which will have real, tangible impacts on this small community, makes it especially rewarding,” Mr Cullen said.