The Western Australian Government is seeking registrations of interest (ROI) from large commercial and industrial users for low-emissions electricity and renewable energy projects to supply significant projects in the South West Interconnected System (SWIS).
The ROIs will guide future transmission builds and the location of renewable energy hubs.
“We are encouraging major industry customers to register their interest to be part of this once-in-a-generation transmission network growth, as we power towards net zero by 2050,” Energy Minister Bill Johnston said.
Minister Johnston noted that Western Australia’s abundant sun and wind resources enable the State to lead in renewable generation, providing economic benefits to the State and regional economy.
“SWIS Demand Assessment modelling indicated industrial demand over the next 20 years would require almost 10 times the amount of generation capacity currently available,” Minister Johnston added.
Following the State Government’s SWIS Demand Assessment, the ROI intends to:
- develop the customer base that will define future major transmission expansion projects;
- prioritise grid investment areas in this early stage of investment; and
- gather crucial insight to assist policy setting for optimal funding arrangements.
The ROI, coordinated by Western Power and Energy Policy WA, will allow industrial customers to submit project plans, status, timing, and willingness to contribute to network augmentation and connection costs.
According to the State Government, the process aims to develop new funding mechanisms for network capacity access and establish potential policy settings.
“The registrations of interest will help shape major transmission builds for the State, as we all work together to deliver a clean energy future,” Minister Johnston said.
The ROI is open until 1 November 2023.
