- McGowan Government taking action to facilitate green energy boom
- South West Interconnected System (SWIS) Demand Assessment released, charting electricity demand required to meet industry and Government net zero commitments by 2050
- $126 million allocated in 2023-24 State Budget for early planning and works on the State-owned electricity grid
The McGowan Government is laying the foundations for Western Australia's clean energy future, today releasing a landmark report into the future of the State's main electricity grid, backed by a $126 million commitment to kickstart early network planning.
The South West Interconnected System (SWIS) Demand Assessment collated industry data to understand the potential change in electricity demand over the next 20 years, considering the requirements of existing industrial users on the SWIS and potential growth in new industries like hydrogen and critical minerals.
As industry and Government move towards net zero emissions by 2050, the expected demand for renewable energy from the SWIS will increase significantly.
Initial modelling anticipates an additional 7.2GW of new industry electricity demand would occur in the SWIS by 2042, which could require up to 51.1GW of new generation and storage capacity to supply it. This is almost 10 times the amount of generation capacity currently on the SWIS.
The SWIS Demand Assessment complements the 2020 Whole of System Plan by looking at the future growth of electricity demand that is largely driven by industry's action on climate change.
Investment in transmission infrastructure is fundamental, with the modelling indicating more than 4000km of new network could be required to connect industrial users with new renewable energy projects and unlock constrained areas of the SWIS.
To kickstart investment into the grid, the McGowan Government's 2023-24 State Budget will include $126 million for Western Power to commence planning works in the northern, central, southern and eastern corridors of the SWIS, reflecting the highest anticipated growth areas.
The funding will support planning and purchase of long-lead items for initial upgrades in the north network, which is expected to see a boom in new energy projects, as well as upgrades in the east network.
Public ownership of the SWIS, combined with WA's domestic gas reservation policy, provides the State a pathway to a low-carbon future without the excessive price increases and instability seen in other parts of Australia.
The State Government will work with industrial users to determine their investment in the State-owned network. This engagement seeks to ensure the cost of new network infrastructure to meet industry green energy demands is not passed onto household energy consumers.
With the SWIS Demand Assessment complete, consultation with existing and new industrial users will now progress to inform a network investment strategy, including mechanisms for industry contributions and third-party investments.
To read the SWIS Demand Assessment report, visit https://www.wa.gov.au/government/document-collections/swis-demand-assessment
Comments attributed to Energy Minister Bill Johnston:
"The SWIS Demand Assessment provides a vision of what the future grid might look like as industry seeks to decarbonise.
"This modelling builds on the 2020 Whole of System Plan, recognising the urgency of action on climate change and the accelerated decarbonisation plans for the State's major industries.
"Transmission infrastructure is a critical enabler of our energy transition, being essential for connecting users with renewable energy resources.
"An expanded grid is the most cost-efficient way of supporting decarbonisation as it can reach further for wind and solar. The SWIS cannot rely on other electricity systems to support it, so having a strong transmission backbone is critical for reliable supply.
"The McGowan Government is getting started with grid infrastructure planning and development, and is reviewing a range of regulatory processes to ensure they are fit-for-purpose."
Minister's office - 6552 6700
