Remote communities relying on diesel left vulnerable amid fuel crisis
ABC
Topic:Rural and Remote Communities
The remote Western Desert community of Punmu is run on diesel generators. (ABC News: Alistair Bates)
In short:
Remote communities already battling for access to fuel are under increased pressure from the conflict in Iran.
Some could be forced to choose between travelling for appointments or purchasing food if prices continue to rise
What's next?
For communities reliant on diesel generators for power, and power required for necessities like water, there has been a renewed push for renewable energy sources.
Remote communities reliant on diesel generators are concerned they will be left without access to power as fuel prices continue to rise because of the Iran war.
Some are looking to renewables for a more stable power supply, while others affected by floods have been warned to expect further fuel price hikes.
In WA's Kimberley region, Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation CEO Nathan McIvor said residents would not be able to afford fuel if prices continued to rise.
Nathan McIvor says people are now tossing up between attending appointments or getting food. (ABC Kimberley: Andrew Seabourne)
The community, approximately 170 kilometres north of Broome, relies on diesel generators for power.
"When you've got some people living on the poverty line as it is, it makes it very difficult for people to be able to move around," he said.
The corporation owns the community's only roadhouse, and Mr McIvor said they had done their best to keep costs down.
"If it continues, we can't wear that cost for very long," he said.
The diesel dilemma
The community of Punmu, 1,300 kilometres north of Perth, is also reliant on diesel generators for power.
In 2023, the WA state government transferred responsibility for the delivery of power services to 117 remote Aboriginal communities, including Punmu, to state-owned Horizon Power.
Punmu Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Edith Costello said while the community had adequate supplies for now, she was concerned about future access to fuel.
Edith Costello says water stops working within eight hours if fuel runs out. (ABC News: Charlie Mclean)
"If for some reason we can't get our fuel supply through, that will change things drastically for us," Ms Costello said.
"Really, we would have to shut the community down."
If Punmu's power station ran out of fuel, Ms Costello said the community would run out of drinking water within eight hours.
Ms Costello said transitioning to renewable energy was the most logical choice.
"I couldn't tell you the number of daylight hours here, but it's a pure blue sky with not one cloud at the moment and lots of free energy," she said.
"I've heard that Horizon are working on that, and I'm eagerly waiting to hear from them."
Punmu is a remote community in the Western Desert, almost 600 kilometres east of Port Hedland. (ABC News: Charlie McLean)
Horizon Power said power supply to communities in WA remained stable and there was no indication of any immediate risk to power continuity.
It said it was in the process of upgrading power systems in remote communities, including transitioning some communities to renewable sources.
A spokesperson said Outback Stores, which operated 59 stores in remote communities nationally, had seen price increases from suppliers, which could see prices rise in the future.
More on fuel prices
Topic:Petrol Prices
Topic:Petrol Prices
Topic:Energy Industry
Topic:Health
Topic:War
Remote islands look to renewables
At Christmas and Cocos islands, an emergency surcharge has been introduced by the only regular shipping service, Zentner Shipping, in response to fuel price hikes.
Christmas Island solely relies on diesel for its power. (ABC Pilbara: Mietta Adams)
Indian Ocean Territories administrator Farzian Zainal acknowledged community concerns but said stocks were sufficient.
Phosphate Resources Limited Group operates Christmas Island's fuel supplier, Indian Ocean Oil Company, and chief executive Nick Gan said the fuel crisis had brought forward a shipment for early April to "top up supply".
Diesel is shipped into Christmas Island well in advance due to its remote geography. (ABC Pilbara: Mietta Adams)
The Google connectivity hub, which is set to soon begin construction, will put more strain on the power network.
"The more requirements that are out there, the stronger the case is for some form of renewable on that island," Mr Gan said.
A fuel delivery to the island was brought forward due to the conflict. (ABC Pilbara: Mietta Adams)
He said an application was being processed for a renewable development, most likely solar, which could take years.
Murdoch University professor of energy studies Christopher Lund said issues with fuel access could be a catalyst for the rollout of renewable energy to more remote communities.
Christopher Lund says renewables should be a collaboration between communities, federal and state governments, and the private sector. (Supplied: Murdoch University)
"The scarcity — either from things like geopolitical as we have at the moment, or just weather and climate change – related things that stopped diesel from getting in — will drive a desire to move and the ability to move to more renewable energy – based systems just for energy security," he said.
Professor Lund said renewable energy was becoming commercially viable.
"As the price goes up, it's more of an economic case to do that transition, because the price of renewable energy systems is continuing to drop," he said.
Promotion
Top Stories
LIVE
Analysis by John Lyons
Topic:War
Topic:World Politics
Topic:War
Related stories
Topic:Energy Research
Topic:Rural and Remote Communities
Related topics
Christmas Island
Fitzroy Crossing
Government and Politics
Halls Creek
Indigenous Australians
Nullagine
Oil and Gas
Petrol Prices
Renewable Energy
Rural and Remote Communities
Telfer
Utilities
West Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Top Stories
LIVE
Analysis by John Lyons
Topic:War
Topic:World Politics
Topic:War
Just In
Topic:Government Funding
Analysis by John Lyons
Topic:Elections
Topic:Feel Good