Oil and gas explorer, Pilot Energy announced that it has received a non-binding proposal from EDP Renewables APAC—a renewable energy developer—to acquire full ownership of the 376MW Three Springs solar plant in Western Australia.
Solar PV Project in Three Springs, Western Australia
The project is situated in the Shire of Three Springs, located in the Mid-West region of Western Australia—roughly 310 kilometres north of Perth—the state capital. Earlier assessments indicated that the total cost to fully develop the solar PV project would be approximately AU$ 440 million.
The solar plant is expected to have a lifespan of around 25 years, during which it can continue operating at 90% of its original capacity. After this period, the project could be decommissioned leaving the land in a condition similar to what it was before development.
Three Springs, Western Australia solar (Image: Collected)
“The proposed sale is a great result for the company, which will provide significant capital for the company to progress the Cliff Head Carbon Storage Project and the acquisition of the Cliff Head joint venture interests while also accelerating the development of renewable energy sources in the Mid-West to power the Mid-West Clean Energy Project,” said Brad Lingo, Pilot Energy Chairman.
Mid-West Clean Energy: Green Ammonia Production Hub
EDP Renewables APAC has made a proposal valued at AU$ 11.5 million (USD 7.8 million/EUR 7.1 million), according to a statement from Pilot Energy. The offer pertains to the Three Springs Solar plant which will supply power for producing low-carbon ammonia as part of the Mid West Clean Energy Project.
The Mid-West Clean Energy Project aims to position Western Australia as a key hub for green hydrogen and green ammonia production. Starting in 2027, the project plans to produce and sell 1.2 million tonnes of clean ammonia annually to international and domestic markets.
This large-scale initiative will rely on renewable energy from wind and solar PV delivered via the grid. The Three Springs solar plant will be linked to the ammonia production facility—located about 100km west of its site—through a private mid-voltage transmission network. The project may also supply energy to external customers.
Pilot's Transition to Carbon Management and Clean Energy
Pilot Energy is a junior oil and gas exploration and production company focused on diversifying and transitioning to carbon management projects, along with producing hydrogen and clean ammonia for export to emerging clean energy markets in the APAC region. The company aims to leverage its existing oil and gas operations and infrastructure to support these developments.
Pilot Energy proposes Australia's first offshore carbon storage project by converting the Cliff Head Oilfield and its infrastructure from oil production to carbon storage as part of the Mid West Clean Energy Project.
The company currently holds a 21.25% interest in the Cliff Head Oilfield and its infrastructure, which will increase to 100% after acquiring Triangle Energy (Global) Pty Limited’s stake. Additionally, Pilot holds a 100% interest in both greenhouse gas exploration license G-12-AP and exploration permit WA-481-P, located offshore in the Mid West of Western Australia.