Thomson Geer advises Aboriginal group on billion-dollar renewable energy venture

Thomson Geer has worked with the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation to advise it on the establishment of a renewable energy project partnership worth more than A$1 billion.

The Corporation has formed the Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation with Philippine listed renewable energy giant ACEN Corporation and plans to build renewable energy projects upon areas within the 13,000 sq km of the Yindjibarndi native title determination land in north west Western Australia.

The first stage of the project is expected to see development of infrastructure to generate 750 megawatts of solar and wind energy with battery storage.

Corporate Partner Matthew Reynolds and Energy and Resources Partner Paul Harley advised the Corporation, with support from Senior Associate Shaun Restorick-Barton.

"The team is excited to be able to work with the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation on this project that will benefit the Yindjibarndi people and help Australia's renewable energy transition," Matthew said.

They also worked with teams from another firm to determine and implement an effective commercial structure for the parties.

The Thomson Geer corporate team advised and negotiated on behalf of the Corporation on the suite of documents required to oversee the corporate structure and commercial relationship with ACEN, and in respect of the funding and management of each discreet renewable project.

Paul Harley worked closely with the Corporation to ensure the arrangements and documentation governing land use and development appropriately reflected its core pillars by incorporating fundamental terms relating to participation of the Yindjibarndi people in all projects and approval rights for site selection.

Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation director and CEO Craig Ricato said: "Thomson Geer has been a key advisor for the Yindjibarndi as we established the partnership with ACEN.

"The agreement with ACEN means that the Yindjibarndi people can actively participate in Australia’s renewable energy transition in a significant way that provides long-term economic benefits to the community, whilst ensuring that we can protect and preserve all areas within Yindjibarndi country which are of cultural, spiritual, and environmental significance, as well as creating sustainable, long-term training and employment opportunities on country for the Yindjibarndi people.

"We look forward to continuing to work with Matt, Paul and the Thomson Geer team as we seek to develop projects and create positive long-term benefits for the Yindjibarndi people, our partner ACEN and the broader Pilbara region."

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