Why Fortescue is Investing in Education Programmes on Energy

Through its Grants Programmes, Fortescue is supporting Pilbara communities to drive sustainable initiatives, build technical capability and strengthen local engagement with renewable and low-emission technologies.

These grants are enabling people to explore new opportunities in science and engineering while fostering a workforce ready to deliver the energy transition.

From mining roots to green energy leadership

As a global green technology, energy and metals company, Fortescue is pushing towards full decarbonisation of its operations and supply chains.

The company was founded in the Pilbara, where its Cloudbreak mine began operating in 2003, and its network now includes two major mining hubs connected by more than 760km of rail infrastructure.

While its heritage lies in mining, Fortescue’s vision is to phase out fossil fuels entirely by integrating renewable power, electrified transport and hydrogen technologies.

The company’s approach is guided by its values of empowerment, courage and innovation – ensuring that both its people and its technologies contribute to lasting, sustainable development.

Alongside large-scale energy transformation, Fortescue continues to invest in local initiatives that protect First Nations heritage and create economic opportunity.

Its Vocational Training and Employment Centre (VTEC) has been building career pathways for First Nations people for more than 16 years, underpinning the firm’s broader commitment to an inclusive, low-carbon economy.

Learning the language of renewables

Across the Pilbara, Fortescue’s community grants are providing the practical resources needed to make STEM learning directly relevant to Australia’s energy future.

At South Hedland Primary School, a Fortescue-funded programme is bringing real-world energy and engineering challenges into the classroom.

New educational tools – from scientific equipment to renewable energy kits – allow students to explore how solar, storage and other clean technologies support both local industry and environmental sustainability.

“In the Pilbara, education and opportunity go hand in hand," says Rosli Wheelock, Fortescue’s Director Approvals, Communities and Services. 

"By supporting programs like this at South Hedland Primary School, we’re helping young people build the skills, confidence and curiosity they need to thrive in a changing world."

“Hands-on STEM learning connects students to real challenges in their own community and shows them that innovation, problem-solving and future pathways have a place right here in the Pilbara.”

Driving decarbonisation through innovation

The topics covered in these classroom programmes echo Fortescue’s own journey towards clean energy. Its operations are increasingly powered by renewables, with the company recently introducing two battery electric locomotives to its Pilbara rail network — a move expected to save around one million litres of diesel annually.

Beyond transport, Fortescue is building the integrated energy systems that will underpin the future of regional industry. Its Pilbara Energy Connect initiative combines large-scale solar and wind generation with advanced battery storage and nearly 500 kilometres of high-voltage transmission lines.

Dino Otranto, Fortescue Metals and Operations Chief Executive Officer, says: “Through Pilbara Energy Connect, we’ve already constructed more than 480 kilometres of high-voltage transmission lines, physically linking our energy assets to our operations and rail network. This infrastructure enables renewable power to replace diesel and gas, in real time, across the Pilbara.”

By sharing its clean energy advances through education, Fortescue is effectively extending its decarbonisation mission from its rail corridors to regional classrooms, giving the next generation insight into the engineering behind the energy transition.

Building energy confidence in young learners

At South Hedland Primary School, students are learning to test new ideas, develop practical energy solutions and collaborate around sustainability challenges affecting their region. These experiences not only build technical understanding but also foster the confidence needed to innovate within the growing clean energy sector.

“Fortescue’s support has allowed us to expand STEM learning beyond the classroom through the establishment of an after-school STEM Club. Students are enthusiastic, curious and thriving as they explore STEM in a hands-on way," says Lee Pereira, South Hedland Primary School Principal.

“Early exposure to STEM is critical in building the skills and curiosity students need for future learning and careers. Programs like this help lay strong foundations for innovation and future STEM pathways.”

These activities are also bridging energy awareness and everyday behaviour, inspiring students to reduce household energy use and adopt more sustainable practices.

In doing so, Fortescue’s grants are helping nurture a future workforce ready to shape and sustain Australia’s clean energy transformation.