Horizon Power Partners with Pacific Energy to Transform Exmouth’s Energy Future

In a significant step towards a greener future, Pacific Energy and Horizon Power have inked a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) to provide renewable energy to the scenic coastal community of Exmouth in Western Australia. This move is part of a broader push to decarbonize one of the state’s top tourist destinations.

Under this groundbreaking agreement, Exmouth will be powered by a hybrid system combining large-scale solar farms, rooftop solar installations, battery storage, and limited gas-fired generation when necessary. The project aims to have 80% of the town’s energy needs met by renewables by 2026.

Pacific Energy will construct a 9.6MW solar farm and install two powerful batteries with a combined capacity of 10MW/49.6MWh adjacent to the existing Exmouth Power Station. Construction is slated to begin in mid-2025, with full operation expected by the end of 2026.

This hybrid system marks Pacific Energy’s first major off-grid power project, designed to supply such a large portion of a remote town’s annual energy requirements through renewable energy and battery storage. It’s a pivotal example of how off-grid communities can transition to cleaner energy sources while maintaining reliable power.

The Western Australian Government is fully behind the project, viewing it as a key part of its broader efforts to decarbonize the state’s regional areas. Recently, the state announced plans to extend transmission infrastructure on the Burrup Peninsula, connecting industrial sites with emerging renewable energy developments in the Pilbara.

Roger Cook, Premier of Western Australia, emphasized the importance of the project for both the local economy and the environment. "As we move toward renewables, projects like this will create jobs, diversify regional economies, and provide clean energy for generations to come," he said.

Reece Whitby, WA’s Energy Minister, added that the project will not only provide lower emissions but also affordable and reliable energy for Exmouth. "We are serious about ensuring regional communities like Exmouth are at the forefront of our state’s energy transition," Whitby noted.

Pacific Energy COO, Mike Hall, praised the Exmouth community for their dedication to finding a clean energy solution that aligns with their environmental goals. "We are committed to delivering a decarbonized power system that meets the community’s needs while safeguarding their UNESCO World Heritage site," he explained.

The hybrid system’s innovative design will significantly reduce the need for gas transport through the town, replacing it with solar generation and battery energy storage. This aligns with Exmouth’s desire for a sustainable energy source that supports both the local environment and the economy.

Horizon Power CEO, Stephanie Unwin, highlighted the project’s potential to showcase the evolving future of energy. "We’re proud to deliver renewable energy solutions that reduce costs and emissions while providing reliable power to regional Western Australians," she said.

The hybrid energy system will incorporate a battery energy storage system (BESS) that allows solar energy to power Exmouth even after sunset. Due to the region's vulnerability to cyclones, wind energy was not a viable option, so the focus shifted to maximizing solar power with cutting-edge battery technology. This approach is expected to offset nearly 14,000 tons of carbon emissions annually over the 20-year agreement.

Pacific Energy took control of the existing gas-fired Exmouth Power Station in September 2024, and work on integrating the new renewable energy systems will begin in early 2025. By the end of 2026, Exmouth is expected to enjoy a cleaner, more sustainable energy future, thanks to this pioneering hybrid power solution.

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From wind and solar consultation to energy-saving strategies, we’re committed to making the transition to sustainable energy as seamless and beneficial as possible. Discover how we can help you achieve a greener future at www.eservices4u.com.