NZEA in the Pilbara
Net Zero Economy Authority CEO David Shankey, and staff working directly on projects in the Pilbara, travelled to the region for the 2025 Pilbara Summit.
The Pilbara is a current, project-based, priority area for the Authority, with our teams facilitating public and private investment in net zero opportunities in the region.
The Pilbara Summit, running over 25 and 26 June, brought together representatives from industry, First Nations leaders, government and international delegates from the US, Japan and France.
During the 2 days, the NZEA team were able to hear directly from people who live and work in the Pilbara to best understand the region’s challenges and opportunities. Many of the speakers and attendees at the conference spoke about the importance of solving local issues with place-based solutions, ones that are specific to this unique region.
The Pilbara region’s Gross Regional Product is estimated at close to $90 billion and makes up 3.4% of Australia’s gross domestic product. Although the Pilbara is one of Australia’s largest exporters, the region faces critical infrastructure and energy challenges, including an evolving transmission system. Renewable energy also only currently contributes 2% of energy production in the region.
Even though the task to transform the Pilbara to clean energy is significant, there are several opportunities that are emerging, including projects in and around the Boodarie Strategic Industrial Area (BSIA). New industry opportunities such as renewable hydrogen and ammonia production, green iron and reforms to the North West Interconnected System will also see the area transformed.
The Pilbara is in a distinctive position as both a cultural and economic engine for the nation. Clean energy projects that embed Traditional Owner participation, such as those led by Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation, signal a shift toward more inclusive models that see First Nations as true partners of green energy projects.
The Pilbara is also supported by the world’s largest bulk export port, the Port of Port Hedland. The port currently handles more than 3,000 vessels a year and with the expansion of Lumsden Point, will have the potential to service new industries such as green iron, critical battery metals and renewable energy infrastructure.
The Pilbara Summit demonstrated that the region is well-positioned to transition to a net zero economy. There is work to be done, but if momentum is maintained and systems can match ambition, the region can advance Australia’s transition to clean energy.