ACEN eyes expansion in Pilbara, Australia

MANILA  -Ayala-led ACEN Corp. is expanding its renewable energy development plans in the Asia-Pacific through a deal with an Australia-based developer to build solar, wind and battery energy storage system facilities.

In a stock exchange disclosure, ACEN said its subsidiary, Yindjibarndi Energy Corp. (YEC), teamed up with Rio Tinto to study the potential of developing clean energy facilities in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

Rio Tinto currently operates four gas-fired power stations in Pilbara.

According to ACEN, the listed energy platform of the Ayala group, around 600 to 700 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy are needed to gradually lessen Rio Tinto’s dependence on gas.

“It (memorandum of understanding) is the perfect blend of traditional significance and modern technology, designed to harness the limitless potential of Pilbara’s sun and wind, while respecting the deep-rooted connection of the Yindjibarndi people with their land,” said Patrice Clausse, ACEN International chief executive.

ACEN also said they were assessing the possibility of developing about 300 MW of solar projects in the area.

YEC was established in June this year through an agreement between ACEN and Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corp., the registered native title body corporate of the Yindjibarndi people.

READ: ACEN taps funding for renewable projects in Australia

They planned on developing clean energy projects on Yindjibarndi Ngurra, a 13,000-square-kilometer area within the Yindjibarndi Native Title Determination Areas.

Under Australian law, a native title describes the right to land and waters possessed by indigenous Australians under their traditions and customs.