A remote Western Australia First Nations community with its sights set on reducing diesel dependence and energy insecurity has had a solar and 3.25 MW battery energy storage project approved for development.
Image: Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation
From pv magazine Australia
A proposed 100%-First Nations-owned solar and battery power station in Western Australia, the Aalga Goorlil Sun Turtle Djarindjin Community Power Project (DCPP), has received planning approval from the Western Australia Regional Development Assessment Panel (RDAP).
The project will be built on the Dampier Peninsula in the Kimberley region, about 170 kilometers north of Broome, 2,400 km north of Perth, and 1,600 km southwest of Darwin. The AUD 12 million ($8.6 million) project is expected to meet 80% of the energy needs of the Djarindjin and Lombadina communities.
The remaining 20% of electricity demand will be supplied by an upgraded diesel generator operated by state-owned utility Horizon Power.
The project will feature 3,408 solar panels arranged in the shape of the Djarindjin community’s official symbol. The installation will include a 3.25 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) connected to the Djarindjin-Lombadina microgrid.
The project aims to reduce the communities’ reliance on fossil fuels, lower energy costs, and support broader climate action efforts.
Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation Chief Executive Officer Nathan McIvor said community ownership is central to the project. “The time has passed where communities rely on a broken system, and we out at Djarindjin don’t believe the system works for us,” McIvor said.
In a statement, the First Nations Clean Energy Network (FNCEN) said the RDAP agreed that “the essential infrastructure development supports community self-sufficiency, and broader benefits including training and employment.”
Revenue generated by the project will support the Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation’s efforts to expand local employment and training opportunities, while helping to deliver and subsidize essential services.
McIvor said the Aalga Goorlil “Sun Turtle” project would support the community’s economic independence, diversify revenue streams, and build local capacity to construct, operate, and maintain critical infrastructure across the Dampier Peninsula.
He said the project is an example of self-determination in action.
This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: editors@pv-magazine.com.
More articles from Ev Foley
Please be mindful of our community standards.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Comment *
Name *
Email *
Website
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.


Δ
By submitting this form you agree to pv magazine using your data for the purposes of publishing your comment.
Your personal data will only be disclosed or otherwise transmitted to third parties for the purposes of spam filtering or if this is necessary for technical maintenance of the website. Any other transfer to third parties will not take place unless this is justified on the basis of applicable data protection regulations or if pv magazine is legally obliged to do so.
You may revoke this consent at any time with effect for the future, in which case your personal data will be deleted immediately. Otherwise, your data will be deleted if pv magazine has processed your request or the purpose of data storage is fulfilled.
Further information on data privacy can be found in our Data Protection Policy.
Legal Notice Terms and Conditions Data Privacy © pv magazine 2026
Δ
This website uses cookies to anonymously count visitor numbers. View our privacy policy. ×
The cookie settings on this website are set to “allow cookies” to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click “Accept” below then you are consenting to this.
Close

source