Chichester Solar Farm
Project Type:
Generation
Project Phase:
Operational
Region:
Pilbara
Overview
Chichester Solar Farm
0 MW
Renewable Energy Generation Capacity
0 ha
Total project area
~0 Million L
Annual reduction of diesel consumption
~0,000 t
Annual reduction in carbon emissions
What’s Happening at Chichester?
The Chichester Solar Farm is a renewable energy project located in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. Owned and operated by APA Group, the facility consists of over 160,000 solar panels and uses a single axis tracking system to maximise the panels exposure to the Pilbara sun and optimise generation. According to APA, the solar power generated by the facility displaces around 100 million litres of diesel every year – meaning 100,000 tonnes less carbon emissions annually.
The solar farm is an important component of the Chichester Solar Gas Hybrid Project, which combines solar generation with gas-fired power and a large-scale battery storage system. This mixed-technology approach allows solar energy to meet 100% of daytime operations for Fortesque Metals' Chichester Hub iron ore operations, with energy storage capacity and flexible gas generation ensuring reliability during the evening or cloudy periods.
Location
The facility is located to the north of Newman, in the eastern part of the Pilbara. It was chosen for its world-class solar resource and its strategic proximity to both major mining operations and existing transmission infrastructure.
Community benefits
$4.7 million was allocated specifically to Indigenous businesses to support local economic participation over the course of the projects construction. APA maintains a Native Title Agreement with the Traditional Owners of the land, the Nyiyaparli people. This agreement ensures ongoing consultation and creates meaningful pathways for work experience, permanent employment, and contracting opportunities for Aboriginal-owned businesses in the area.
Project status
The project has been fully operational since November 2021. At the time of completion, it was the largest off-grid solar farm in Australia.
Powering Western Australia for decades
The Chichester Solar Farm is expected to operate for the next 25 to 30 years, supporting decarbonisation in the Pilbara.
Want to know more?
You can learn more about the Chichester Solar Farm on APA’s website.
For general information on how long it takes to create renewable projects, check out our dedicated learn section.