Yoorndoo Ilga Solar nominated for South Australian 2022 Energy and Mining Premier’s Awards

EPS Energy, with its development partner Amp Energy, are proud to announce our nomination in the South Australian 2022 Energy and Mining Premier’s Awards.

The nomination relates to the innovative partnership and process created with the Barngarla People for the development of Yoorndoo Ilga Solar.

‘Yoorndoo Ilga’ in Barngarla language means “having or possessing the sun” and is the preferred project name chosen by the Barngarla.

Yoorndoo Ilga Solar is a large scale solar and battery energy storage facility proposed over 665ha of land just north of Whyalla in South Australia. The project is on Barngarla land and the site is owned in freehold by the Barngarla People.

The nomination highlights the success story of our close partnership with the Barngarla Board and their advisors Norman Waterhouse, and advocates the story of the unprecedented process where the State of South Australia returned Crown Land via a sale of the land to the direct freehold ownership of the native title holders.

EPS Energy seek to raise awareness for both industry and native title holders of the significant mutual opportunities and benefits of the possible partnerships and arrangements as navigated by Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation, EPS Energy and Amp Energy.

The partnership alliance model between Yoorndoo Ilga Solar and the Barngarla People established the pathway and inaugural model for Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation to realise economic opportunities on Barngarla native title land.

Importantly, the model results in freehold ownership of land for the Barngarla People for commercial development resulting in significant enduring revenue opportunities. Hence, this innovative partnership model provides a positive sustainable difference for the community and paves the pathway for similar arrangements and financial opportunities for all native title holders in South Australia.

Yoorndoo Ilga Solar is about:

• recognition of the traditional custodians of the land and ensuring real financial, social and environmental benefits are created from renewable energy developments on their Country;
• actioning the need for transition to low carbon emission industry for Australia’s electricity sector; and
• supporting South Australia’s emerging green hydrogen industry and proposed hydrogen hub at Port Bonython.

EPS Energy is proud to have initiated this project and will continue its ambition of playing a small role in the transition to a net zero sustainable future, whilst advocating recognition of traditional custodians of the land where we live, work and play.