In Western Australia’s Pilbara region, a new kind of renewable energy project is taking shape – developed not just on Indigenous land, but in partnership with Traditional Owners. Behind it is Philippine-listed ACEN Corporation.
ACEN, the energy arm of the Ayala Group, has steadily grown its presence in Australia. In the Pilbara, it has partnered with the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC), the court-appointed Registered Native Title Body Corporate, to explore projects on Yindjibarndi country – potentially up to 3 gigawatts (GW), enough to power hundreds of thousands of homes.
The massive billion-dollar project covers a vast area and is among the largest Indigenous-led renewable energy initiatives in Australia, combining wind, solar and battery storage while prioritising cultural respect and long-term community involvement.
More broadly, it reflects a shift in how energy projects are developed – recognising Traditional Owners not just as stakeholders, but as partners in building outcomes.
Working together based on respect
This collaboration rests on a simple idea — development should happen with Traditional Owners, not just on their lands.
Through a joint venture, ACEN and the Yindjibarndi community established the Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation (YEC) in 2023, giving First Nations people a direct role in decision-making, ownership and long-term benefit.
From the start, the Yindjibarndi people were clear about their intent. As YAC Chief Executive Michael Woodley said, they chose to lead and sought a partner with the right capabilities and values, which led them to ACEN.
YEC CEO Craig Ricato stated the partnership was built on shared values, noting that ACEN was open and honest in its approach, listened to the community and committed to a long-term relationship.
In an industry that moves fast, this approach shows the value of taking time to build trust and doing things right. ACEN International CEO Patrice Clausse remarked that the partnership is closely aligned and acknowledged the trust placed in ACEN to work responsibly on Yindjibarndi land.
For many in the Filipino Australian community, this feels familiar — pakikipagkapwa, bayanihan and pakikisama.
Understanding Country – the Yindjibarndi story
To understand its significance, it helps to understand ‘Country’ – not just land but identity, history and responsibility.
The Yindjibarndi people are the Traditional Owners of a large part of the Pilbara. Their Native Title claim, recognised after years of legal struggle, affirmed their connection to the land and their right to have a say in how their Ngurra is used.
They are now taking the lead — seeing renewable energy as an opportunity and choosing partners on their own terms.
Equity, employment and long-term benefits
Through YEC, the Yindjibarndi people are co-owners, holding 25% to 50% equity in completed projects – giving them a direct stake in long-term outcomes.
The benefits are clear — contracting opportunities for Yindjibarndi-owned businesses, local jobs and training and revenue linked to project performance.
This approach aligns with Australia’s First Nations Clean Energy Strategy, which prioritises more equitable partnerships in the move to net zero emissions.
Learning both ways
In 2023, representatives from YEC travelled to the Philippines to visit ACEN’s wind farms in Ilocos Norte province. The visit offered a firsthand look at how ACEN works with host communities on the ground, highlighting alignment with the Yindjibarndi 3Cs model – Culture, Community and Commercial opportunities.
This kind of exchange builds understanding beyond formal agreements. It allows both sides to learn from each other in practical ways.
A Filipino company in Australia’s clean energy future
ACEN has been in Australia for years, but this partnership shows how its role is expanding – from entering a market to building a legacy that lasts.
Part of the Ayala Group, one of the Philippines’ oldest conglomerates, founded in 1834, ACEN focuses on renewable energy across several countries. It entered Australia in 2018 and took full ownership of its operations by 2023, making it one of its key markets outside the Philippines.
It also shows that Filipino businesses, with vision and transformative leadership, can operate globally – not just in technical terms, but in how they build relationships and work with communities.
Scale and impact
ACEN’s footprint in Australia is already significant, with around 1 GW operating or under construction and a pipeline exceeding 13 GW spanning New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia, supported by a growing local workforce.
During his 2023 bilateral visit to the Philippines, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese lauded ACEN’s scaling presence and its contribution to advancing Australia’s energy transition.
One example is the Stubbo Solar Project in New South Wales. Spread across about 1,250 hectares, it can power around 185,000 homes each year. Backed by about A$760 million, it has supported local jobs, businesses and regional economies.
ACEN is also working with the Anaiwan people in the New England region, where its New England Solar project has involved First Nations partners from day one, creating shared benefits while supporting reconciliation.
Alongside its projects, ACEN has invested over A$1 million through its 2025 Social Investment Program and about A$2 billion has been committed in regional benefits, supporting housing, education, mental health, local skills and business growth.
Many future possibilities
As Australia continues its shift to renewable energy, companies like ACEN will play a key role. For the Filipino Australian community, this points to something bigger. Our connection to the Philippines is evolving – not just as a place we come from, but as a source of expertise and investment contributing to the future of the country we now call home.
ACEN is one example of that direction – a Filipino company helping to build Australia’s future while expanding what is possible for Filipinos on the global stage.
