Project Timeline
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2020
We spoke to members of the Exmouth community, our customers, environmental groups, government agencies, independent power producers and tourism businesses. These discussions helped to shape our plans, products and services.
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2021
After further collaboration with the community, we presented our plans for a new renewable energy system in Exmouth in October 2021. Plans included 80% renewables to be delivered as part of WA’s transition to a lower carbon energy system.
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2023
In January 2023, the Exmouth Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) was installed and commissioned.
The BESS is located at the Exmouth Power Station and is able to store more than 2,000kW of excess solar generated by rooftop solar in the area.
For the remaining renewable energy solutions, the integrated resource planning (IRP) process is now complete and the Exmouth Power Project has entered a defining stage.
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2024
The final steps to acquire land for the solar farm are complete. We've also undertaken and completed the tender process for system delivery. Following advice from local Traditional Owners, we've named the project. The word 'Jirndal' (pronounced "jeer - en - dahl"), meaning 'sun' in Baiyungu, now represents the Exmouth Power Project's Jirndal Solar Farm.
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2025
In 2025, construction and integrating the solar farm and battery energy storage system with the existing power station will begin.
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2026
In 2026 we anticipate that the final stages of construction, integration and testing will be complete and the new hybrid system will become operational.
New renewable energy options for Exmouth
Sunshine Saver is on the horizon
We’ve created a new subscription-based product called Sunshine Saver. It’s designed to help eligible customers to save on their energy bills and share in the benefits of our investment in local renewable energy across WA. Sunshine Saver will be offered to eligible members of the Exmouth community when your new Exmouth Power Project is complete.
FAQs
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What is the timeline for construction?
Pacific Energy is an independent power producer and will integrate a new solar farm and two battery storage systems to convert Exmouth's gas-powered facility into a hybrid facility.
Pacific Energy estimates the solar farm will take about 17 months to build. This spans from early work to full operation.
- Civil work is scheduled during the first quarter of 2025.
- Site fencing will then begin, restricting access but protecting key areas.
- Between April to May 2025, about 40 trucks will deliver materials, including solar panels.
Construction will begin in April and should wrap up by mid-2026.
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How will construction affect Exmouth residents?
Truck movements for civil works will start in early 2025 and last about three months. Pacific Energy expects this to affect some travel routes, particularly Minilya - Exmouth and Murat Roads, as well as the turn offs at Reid and Welch Streets.
In April 2025, the company anticipates increased truck activity as solar panels and materials are brought in.
Pacific Energy plans to finish all major deliveries before Exmouth’s tourist season starts. A 30-person project team will be in town during peak construction. They will be bussed to the site to minimise local traffic disruption. -
How will construction dust and noise be managed?
Water suppression will be used to manage dust during the clearing and construction phases. Construction noise will be restricted to Monday to Saturday, between 6am and 6pm.
Horizon Power acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain images, names or voices of deceased people.