Western Australia (WA) is set for the largest expansion of renewable generation and energy storage in the state’s history, with the Federal and WA Governments announcing support for 10 new projects through the Capacity Investment Scheme.
The successful projects will deliver 1.886 GW (gigawatts) of new renewable generation capacity and 4.2 GWh (gigawatt-hours) of energy storage, comprising six wind farms, three battery energy storage system and one solar-plus-storage hybrid project.
These developments are expected to generate enough electricity to power more than one million households and provide dispatchable storage in preparation for peak periods.
The projects represent approximately $5 billion in new energy infrastructure investment and are expected to be operational by 2030.
Regional communities across the Wheatbelt, Mid-West, Peel and South West are expected to benefit from the investment, with the projects forecast to create around 7000 construction jobs and 500 ongoing maintenance roles.
Chris Bowen, Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, expressed his excitement for WA’s transition momentum.
“This is the biggest electricity boost in WA’s history, and it is exactly what the Capacity Investment Scheme was designed to deliver. Cleaner, cheaper energy, backed by storage, built in the regions and powering Australian homes and businesses,” Bowen said.
“WA’s energy system is changing, and the Albanese Government is making sure that change means more reliability, more investment, more jobs and lower bills and emissions.”
The successful generation projects include:
| Project | Proponent | Technology | Capacity (MW) | Location (all WA) |
| Yathroo Wind Farm | Neoen Australia | Wind | 420 | Yathroo |
| Narrogin Wind Farm | Neoen Australia | Wind | 168 | Minigin |
| Kondinin Wind Farm | Shell Energy & Foresight | Wind | 130 | Kondinin |
| Tathra Windfarm | SynergyRED | Wind | 240 | Eneabba |
| Waddi Wind Farm | Tilt Renewables | Wind | 108 | Dandaragan |
| Parron Maam Marang
Farm |
Zephyr Energy (Atmos
Renewables) |
Wind | 470 | Hill River |
| Killawarra Hybrid Project | Trina Solar | Solar + Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) | 350 | Kadathinni |
These projects are expected to drive renewable energy generation in the Western Energy Market, as coal-fired generation retires.
“After a decade of delay and denial, we are getting on with the job of building the energy Australia needs, firmed renewables that deliver for households, industry and regional communities,” Minister Bowen said.
The Federal Government said the projects would also deliver significant social and economic benefits, including local procurement opportunities, the use of Australian steel, and training and employment pathways for First Nations communities.
For the official Australian Government media release, click here.
