Govt investigates new Goldfields power network
The State Government is investigating developing a new electricity network for the Goldfields.
The Goldfields Regional Network would support the decarbonisation of the region and be designed to meet growing industry demands as part of the State’s energy transition.
Electricity modelling as part of the South West Interconnected System Demand Assessment (SWISDA) identified the potential development of a new electricity network in the Goldfields
as a key component of the energy transformation.
The State Government says that to decarbonise and fully realise the opportunities of the
energy transition, the Goldfields region will require new electricity infrastructure.
The Goldfields Regional Network would be a common-use electricity network, privately
owned and developed collaboratively with local Aboriginal people, industry, and
communities in the region.
It would connect renewable energy generation, particularly high-quality wind resources available north of Leinster, to where it is needed.
This would allow industry in the Goldfields access to low-emissions energy and ensure the
supply of electricity in the region is able to meet future demand.
The potential network would also support decarbonisation of the region’s mining, metals and minerals processing loads, while also enhancing energy reliability
and resilience in the region - benefiting both industry and community.
A GRN concept study started in mid-2024 to establish its feasibility.
Outcomes from the study and information forums will help to shape future stages of the project planning, to be conducted in late 2024 and early 2025.
This will potentially culminate in an expression of interest process for the development of an industry-led project.
Separately, the State Government has secured additional reliable electricity for the Goldfields by sourcing back-up generation for the city from TransAlta arising from
BHP Nickel West's temporarily suspended operations.
The additional generation will also help bridge the gap between now and when the Government secures a commitment for more generation that is expected
to be available from as early as 2026.