How does Fitzroy Crossing's current system work?
Fitzroy Crossing’s current energy system relies mainly on gas and diesel generation, with only a small portion of the town’s energy needs met by renewable sources such as rooftop solar.
Community engagement
Communities are at the heart of our Future Energy Framework and ensure active participation among all stakeholders, including residents, Traditional Owners, businesses, and community groups throughout the process.
We consider community aspirations, existing infrastructure, and factors like land, heritage, and the environment to align planning with Fitzroy Crossing's unique characteristics. 
Our approach includes informing, consulting, incorporating input, and communicating back to the community. A range of engagement methods will be used ensuring all stakeholders have an opportunity to contribute.
What's happening now?
To ensure stability and efficiency in the near term, Horizon Power will continue operating from the existing power station site in Fitzroy Crossing given current land access constraints and flooding risks. As part of this approach, the future energy system will incorporate a thermal solution, while we continue to explore longer-term alternatives that align with community aspirations and environmental considerations.
In the meantime, increased access to renewable energy will be supported through customer-led initiatives like Community Wave, enabling households and businesses to contribute to a cleaner energy future.
We will continue to engage with the Fitzroy Crossing community to ensure our energy solutions meet local needs and support regional growth. Horizon Power's vision for Fitzroy Crossing includes leveraging innovative technologies to create a sustainable and vibrant future for all residents.
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Why did we choose Fitzroy Crossing for the Future Energy System?
Horizon Power is supporting the State Government's commitment to reduce public sector emissions by 80% by 2030 and to achieve net zero by 2050. As part of this commitment, we are progressing energy transition planning across five Kimberley towns under a single Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), including Fitzroy Crossing.
Planning for a new energy system is complex and takes time. Each solution must be tailored to the unique needs and constraints of the community it serves, which is why early and ongoing engagement with local communities and Traditional Owners is a key part of our approach.
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What renewable energy does Fitzroy Crossing already have?
Through the deployment of Smart Connect Solar, supported by our Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS), Fitzroy Crossing residents and businesses can install rooftop solar safely and efficiently. This technology gives the community more opportunities to participate in the energy transition and will help boost renewable energy capacity in the town, reducing reliance on diesel over time.
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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.
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What renewable sources have been considered for Fitzroy Crossing?
In the early stages of the Fitzroy Crossing Future Energy System (FES) project, Horizon Power assessed a range of decarbonisation options—including wind generation, centralised solar farms, and battery energy storage systems (BESS)—to determine the most suitable solution for the community. While these technologies offered potential benefits, they were ultimately not selected due to site-specific constraints such as land availability and flooding risks.
As a result, the future energy system will continue to operate from the existing power station using thermal generation. Horizon Power remains committed to supporting customer-led renewable energy uptake through initiatives like Community Wave, enabling households and businesses to contribute to a cleaner energy future. Community engagement has played a vital role in shaping the project, and feedback continues to inform planning to ensure the solution reflects local needs and supports long-term regional growth.
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What is Future Energy System Planning?
Future Energy System Planning 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?
No, the existing power station site will be utilised for thermal power generation.
If additional land is needed at any stage of the project, we’ll keep the community informed and engaged throughout the planning process.
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When are we likely to see this project delivered?
A future energy system would continue to operate from the existing power station site using thermal generation. If the recommended system is approved for delivery, construction would likely commence in 2028.
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Will the delivery of this project mean less outages?
The future energy system will not have a direct impact on outages. Outages are primarily driven by unpredictable weather events and wildlife interactions.
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Does this mean my power bills will reduce?
Your current power bills are set by tariffs that are heavily subsidised by the WA State government. Introducing renewable energy generation as part of this project may reduce the cost of serving the town but will not directly affect your bills.
What's happening and when?
Here's a high level timeline of what to expect, subject to change as the project progresses.
April to July 2023
The project team is formed, planning and preparation work begins.
Aug to Sept 2023
Community engagement
We host local community sessions and present at regional events so you can learn more about the project, ask questions and provide feedback. If you have something to say, please get in touch via the contact form on this page.
Aug 2023 to Jan 2026
Financial assessment, market testing, engineering, land assessments, stakeholder engagement, project management, environmental and heritage due diligence activities will occur.
Feb 2026
Project recommendation
Horizon Power Executive will review the project's recommendation and make a decision on the path forward.
2026 to 2027
Future Energy System Plan Implementation
Includes return to market for detailed design and final generation solutions, commercial negotiations and approvals (inc. environmental approvals)
2027
Project recommendation
Horizon Power Executive will review the projects recommendations and approvals pathway for Final Investment Decision.
2027 to 2028
Design & Deliver Future Energy System
This stage includes final design, construction, installation and commissioning of the future energy system.
2029 to 2030
Project completed
The future energy system and supporting infrastructure will be operational, providing long-term, reliable, safe and sustainable power to your town.
We have four shortlisted vendors from suitably qualified and experienced organisations interested in entering into a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to supply Horizon Power with electricity in the towns of Broome, Derby, Halls Creek, Fitzroy Crossing & Looma-Camballin through a closed tender process.
Horizon Power acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain images, names or voices of deceased people.