Thomson Geer acts as project counsel on landmark First Nations renewable energy project in the Pilbara

Thomson Geer is proud to announce its role as project counsel to Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation (YEC) on Project Jinbi - one of Australia's most significant First Nations-led renewable energy projects and a landmark transaction for the Pilbara region.

Thomson Geer has advised YEC, a partnership between Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC) and ACEN Corporation, on the negotiation and execution of the full suite of project documents for Project Jinbi, a utility-scale solar farm to be developed on Yindjibarndi Ngurra (Country) in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

Project Jinbi (Stage 1) is a 75 MWac solar project, with expansion potential to 150 MWac and optional BESS integration. The project received key approvals in early 2024, including environmental approval, development application approval from the Shire of Ashburton, and Lead Agency Status.

Financial close for the Jinbi project has occurred, and construction of Stage 1 will commence shortly, with the project anticipated to be operational in 2028.

Project Jinbi was the first project to receive approval under the Western Australian Government's Green Energy Approvals Initiative, a streamlined assessment process for clean energy projects, underscoring its significance as a pathfinder transaction for First Nations-led energy development in Australia.

Thomson Geer acted as project counsel to YEC across all aspects of the transaction.  Members of the Thomson Geer team were involved in the negotiation and drafting of:

• the power purchase agreement with Rio Tinto, under which Project Jinbi will supply renewable energy to Rio Tinto's Pilbara mining operations; and
• land access arrangements, construction contracts, equipment supply contracts and operations and maintenance contracts for the development and long-term operation of the solar farm.

Craig Ricato, CEO of YEC, said: "Reaching financial close on Project Jinbi is an important achievement - for the Yindjibarndi People, for YEC, and for First Nations-led economic development in Australia more broadly. I want to thank the team at Thomson Geer for their work in helping us achieve this. Their understanding of complex project documentation, combined with a genuine commitment to the interests of the Yindjibarndi community, made them an invaluable partner throughout this process. Thomson Geer has walked alongside us for a considerable period of time now, and their continued support - from the establishment of our joint venture arrangements with ACEN through to the execution of the suite of project documents for Jinbi - has been instrumental in turning our vision for First Nations-led renewable energy in the Pilbara into reality."

Thomson Geer Partner Matthew Reynolds said: “We congratulate YEC, Yiyangu and ACEN on reaching financial close on this transformational project. Project Jinbi represents a powerful example of how traditional owners and industry can work together to deliver long-term economic and environmental outcomes in the Pilbara."

Partner Jae Lemin said: "Achieving financial close required careful navigation of complex construction interfaces and land access arrangements. We are proud to have supported YEC at every stage of this milestone project and look forward to seeing the opportunities it delivers to all parties.”

Thomson Geer's involvement in Project Jinbi reflects a longstanding relationship with YEC. The firm has previously advised on the joint venture and development arrangements entered into between the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation and ACEN Corporation with respect to their renewable energy program in the Pilbara - the foundation on which YEC was established and through which this landmark project has been realised.

Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC) and ACEN each hold a 50% equity interest in YEC.  Formed in 2023, YEC is one of Australia's largest Indigenous-led renewable energy initiatives, aiming to develop up to 3 GW of wind, solar, and energy storage projects across the approximately 13,000 km² Yindjibarndi Native Title Determination Areas.

The agreement between YAC and ACEN provides that Yindjibarndi will hold 25-50% equity in all developed renewable energy projects, with preferred contracting for Yindjibarndi-owned businesses, and training and employment opportunities for Yindjibarndi people.

YEC’s development strategy is structured around two key renewable energy hubs: the Chichester Range Renewable Energy Hub and the Eastern Development Zone Renewable Energy Hub. Together, these hubs form the backbone of YEC’s more than 1.5 gigawatts of wind, solar, BESS and related infrastructure projects currently in development in Western Australia.

Project Jinbi is YEC’s first project to progress through to financial close and forms part of YEC’s Chichester Range Renewable Energy Hub alongside Project Baru Marnda and the Chichester Range Transmission Corridor (CRTC). Project Baru Marnda is located in the northwest of Yindjibarndi Ngurra and comprises up to 1.3 gigawatts of wind and solar generation, with an option to include BESS.

In November 2025, Project Baru Marnda was awarded Strategic Project Status under the Western Australian Government's approvals framework.

The Thomson Geer team advising on Project Jinbi was led by Partners Matthew Reynolds (corporate), Jae Lemin (PPA), Josh Marchant (PPA/construction), Sarah O'Brien-Smith (land access) and Paul Harley (land access). They were assisted by Special Counsel Shaun Restorick-Barton, Senior Associates Michael Marigliani and Liz Wreck, and Lawyer Will Lyons.

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