ACEN Corporation said its joint venture with Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation has reached financial close for the Jinbi Solar Project in Western Australia, enabling construction to begin on a 75-megawatt alternating current (MWac) solar facility that will supply renewable power to mining giant Rio Tinto under a 30-year agreement.

The milestone marks the first project to advance to construction under Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation (YEC), a partnership formed in 2023 between ACEN and the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation. 

Under the power purchase agreement, YEC will supply all electricity generated by the project’s first phase to Rio Tinto to support decarbonization of the mining company’s Pilbara iron ore operations.

Stage 1 of the Jinbi Solar Project will consist of a 75 MWac (102 MWdc) solar plant, with an option to expand to 150 MWac (204 MWdc). The project may also include battery energy storage systems (BESS), subject to future approvals and development decisions.

Construction is set to begin after YEC issued notices to proceed to engineering, procurement and construction contractor DT Infrastructure and accommodation provider Rapid Camps. Full commercial operations are expected by mid-2028, which will also mark the start of the 30-year supply period under the Rio Tinto contract.

Early civil works are already underway, with Yurra, a Yindjibarndi Nation enterprise, handling site preparation and mobilization.

YEC Chief Executive Officer Craig Ricato said the financial close validates the partnership’s development model.

“Reaching Financial Close on our first project in the Pilbara within three years of the partnership’s operation is a significant milestone for YEC and our shareholders, the Yindjibarndi Traditional Owners and ACEN,” Ricato said.

“It confirms that a Yindjibarndi-led project, grounded in Country and culture, can meet the rigorous commercial requirements of the energy market while staying true to our values and governance responsibilities.”

ACEN Group Chief Investment Officer Patrice Clausse said the project underscores the company’s partnership-driven approach in overseas markets.

“Jinbi demonstrates what is possible when Traditional Owner leadership, long term vision and disciplined project development come together,” Clausse said.

“ACEN is proud to partner with Yindjibarndi on a project that meets rigorous commercial standards while setting a strong benchmark for responsible and respectful renewable energy development in Australia.”

Yindjibarndi Nation Chief Executive Officer Michael Woodley said the project represents a broader effort to create long-term economic benefits for Indigenous communities.

“Jinbi is about more than a renewable energy project – it is about Yindjibarndi people exercising authority on Country and building an economic future that reflects our law, culture and responsibilities,” Woodley said.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Matthew Holcz said the miner was pleased to support the project.

“We’re proud to be part of the Jinbi project, which reflects years of work by many and led by the Yindjibarndi People,” Holcz said.

YEC aims to develop up to 3 gigawatts of renewable energy across approximately 13,000 square kilometers of Yindjibarndi Ngurra in the Pilbara region.

For ACEN, the Jinbi project adds to its growing Australian portfolio and supports its broader regional strategy. The Ayala-led company has more than 7 GW of attributable renewable energy capacity across projects in operation, under construction, and with signed agreements across the Asia-Pacific region.

The company has committed to maintaining 100% renewable energy generation and achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

What does this milestone mean for ACEN’s international growth strategy and for the role of long-term corporate PPAs in advancing large-scale renewable projects? Share your thoughts.  

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