$708 M for Western Australia’s electricity network
The Cook Government will invest more than $700 million to upgrade the State's main electricity network and unlock renewable energy generation opportunities.
Image for illustration purposes.
Australia, Perth: The Cook Government will invest more than $700 million to upgrade the State’s main electricity network and unlock renewable energy generation opportunities.
Premier Roger Cook’s government said that this will put Western Australia on track to become a global renewable energy powerhouse. Upgrades to WA’s electricity transmission network are essential to enable large-scale renewable energy generation to connect to the grid, for both domestic use and to facilitate new industries like renewable hydrogen.
The government will deliver $575 million to increase capacity of the network’s northern section, including a new 330 kV double circuit transmission line between Malaga and Pinjar, enabling renewable energy generation projects in the Mid West to connect to the grid. A further $133 million will be invested towards planning for new lines, reinforcements and upgrades around key industrial areas, including Kwinana and Collie, as well as upgrades between Geraldton and Perth to support development at Oakajee.
Strengthening the northern transmission network is critical, with modelling indicating a 10‑fold increase in renewable generation may be needed to meet future low-emissions electricity demand. To support this transition, the Cook Government will establish PoweringWA to coordinate the delivery of new electricity infrastructure at the pace needed for decarbonisation. Located within the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, PoweringWA will coordinate the build of transmission, renewable generation, and storage infrastructure. It will be responsible for planning, community consultation, industry liaison and project management, ensuring appropriate consideration is given to environmental, cultural and social issues, while delivering a reliable and low emissions electricity supply.
Premier Cook said: “Put simply, there is no energy transition without better transmission. This is the largest investment in transmission infrastructure in WA in more than 10 years and is an important step on the transformation of our main electricity grid.”
Source: Government of Western Australia