The government of Western Australia has granted environmental approval for the development of the first phase of the Asian Renewable Energy Hub (AREH), a hybrid solar and wind complex with a combined capacity of 15 GW.
The approval marks a major step forward for the project, which plans to eventually expand to 26 GW of renewable wind and solar generation, providing energy to service industries in the Pilbara and provide markets in Asia with green hydrogen and ammonia.
The proponent estimates up to 5,000 direct construction jobs during the 10-year project construction period, with 3,000 direct jobs created for the 50-plus year operational period.
The development will ensure the Pilbara, and international customers are able to access competitively priced green energy.
Plans for the first stage of the project, which the McGowan Government granted Lead Agency Status in 2018, include 10GW of wind generation and 5GW of solar generation.
At least 3GW of the power generated is expected to be made available cheaply for Pilbara users.
