HYDROGEN PLANT TO PROTECT BURRUP ROCK ART SITES

The Maitland Industrial Estate is is almost vacant. Photo: Google Earth.

GEOFF VIVIAN

The renewable energy company ENGIE says it is not feasible to locate a 22 hectare solar farm for Yara Fertilisers anywhere other than at Murujuga, the Burrup Peninsula.

Ngaarda Media contacted ENGIE after Traditional Custodians and rock art experts criticised a decision to place the green hydrogen plant amid priceless Murujuga rock art, rather than Maitland Industrial Estate.

It is to power just 0.4 per cent of Yara’s fertiliser plant.

A spokesman said the transition from fossil gas to green hydrogen had technological challenges, so they needed to trial a medium-scale plant before deeper decarbonisation could be achieved.

“Maitland will be considered for future large-scale developments,” he said.

“The petroglyphs will remain untouched, and the solar farm will be built around those sites, respecting a 10m buffer zone around them. 

“Access will be provided to indigenous groups to visit the cultural sites.”

The spokesman said the registered Aboriginal sites would be fenced off during the construction phase. 

“Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation cultural heritage monitors will be present during the clearing activities and earthworks to control adherence with the approved development envelope,” he said.