Frequently Asked Questions

• Why did you choose Carnarvon?
  Horizon Power is supporting the State Government's commitment to reduce public sector emissions by 80% by 2030 and to become net zero by 2050.
  
  To achieve this goal, we’re prioritising towns that emit the highest levels of carbon emissions and are powered primarily by fossil fuelled generators using gas and diesel.
  
  In Horizon Power’s service area across regional and remote WA, Carnarvon is one of the highest carbon emission towns, producing about 23,600 tons of carbon dioxide per annum which is equivalent to 3.9% of Horizon Power’s total emissions (2020 Baseline Emission).
• How much renewable energy does Carnarvon already produce?
  Carnarvon currently produces 15.5% renewable energy on average, generated from a privately owned solar farm and the community’s rooftop solar. The renewable energy produced from rooftop solar is underpinned by the Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS), supporting the installation of rooftop solar through Smart Connect Solar which was launched in Carnarvon in February 2024.
• How does this affect me?
  Communities are at the heart of our Future Energy System planning framework, and all members of the community are invited to provide their feedback.
• Which renewable sources will be considered for Carnarvon?

  Decarbonisation solutions look at cleaner energy sources like solar and wind generation, coupled with battery energy storage. Consideration must be made to ensure products are technologically and commercially readily available. In the initial stages of the project, we’ll assess which of these generation types are most viable for the Carnarvon community’s energy requirements.

  As we progress the solution design for the future energy system, the technical considerations and economic viability may mean that some generation types cannot be part of the final solution. 
   
  If you'd like to leave feedback, complete the feedback form above.

• What is Future Energy System planning framework?

  Future Energy System planning framework is a public process in which Horizon Power works together with our communities and stakeholders to identify and explore energy options to shape their future energy system.
  
  We engage and inform local communities, Local Government Authorities, Traditional Owner groups and key stakeholders to determine long-term energy solutions that best meet their needs. This includes seeking support on acquiring land on which to build the generation facility. We work to balance the demand, reliability and future energy needs of our towns with the voices and opinions of those who help make it a community.

• Do you intend to acquire land for this project?

  Yes. The availability of land that can be used is a crucial factor in determining the future energy solution.
  
  Renewable generation facilities such as a wind or solar farm require far larger footprints of land compared to a diesel- or gas-powered facility. The amount of land available determines the percentage of the town’s energy generated from renewable sources.
  
  If we are unable to acquire land, we substantially reduce the amount of renewable generation options available for the town.

• When are we likely to see this project delivered?

  Planning for a future energy system is complex and takes time and community engagement to gather opinions and thoughts. If the recommended system is approved for delivery, construction would likely commence in 2028.  

• What are wind turbines and why are they being considered for Carnarvon?

  Wind turbines generate electricity by capturing the natural power of the wind. Their large blades spin in the wind, driving a generator that produces electricity which is fed into the grid.

  Carnarvon is being considered for wind power because its energy system currently relies heavily on fossil fuels, making it one of Horizon Power’s most carbon-intensive towns. Adding wind energy could help reduce carbon emissions, improve energy security, and support the transition to more renewable and reliable power sources. Studies are also assessing local wind conditions to confirm if turbines can make a meaningful contribution to Carnarvon’s electricity supply.

  Community engagement and feedback will be critical in assessing whether wind energy is suitable for Carnarvon, helping to shape decisions that balance local needs, environmental outcomes, and future energy security.