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With access to world class natural resources, the Mid West region is one of the best locations to harness the power of wind and solar energy. Home to two wind farms including one of the State’s largest, this established generation hub has the capacity to serve as a significant source of clean energy for the SWIS, and power WA towards net zero by 2050.

A critical first step in achieving this is strengthening the existing network to ensure it can connect and transport a greater supply of renewable energy to meet decarbonisation objectives. Modelling shows a 10 x increase in generation is needed.

This will involve upgrading the current mix of 132 kV and 330 kV lines in parts of the northern network to unlock the transmission capacity in the Wheatbelt and Mid-West. 

The State Government has invested a total of $655 million for Western Power to scope and build new transmission infrastructure and undertake reinforcement work, leveraging existing network infrastructure, corridors and easements where possible to minimise possible impacts on the communities. 

Work includes:

  • New 330 kV and 132 kV transmission line and terminal builds within in the existing network footprint to significantly increase transmission capacity and enable new energy sources to come online.

  • Existing line conversions and reinforcement work to significantly improve the flow of renewable energy to and from the area.

The benefits from this work are unparalleled enabling emissions reduction of around 2.4 million tonnes of CO2 as well as significant jobs and economic growth for our regional communities. 

Benefits to industry and community

By strengthening and building on the existing network, more of the clean energy generated from existing wind farms can be used.

It also paves the way for several renewable generation projects currently in the pipeline to progress, increasing the flow of green electrons from the Mid West region and onto the electricity grid.

How is this work being funded?

The State Government is investing a total of $655 million for Western Power to scope, plan and construct new transmission infrastructure to strengthen the northern network, leveraging existing network infrastructure, corridors and easements where possible to minimise possible impacts on the communities.   

This includes the initial $60 million for the purchase of long lead items and $20 million for scoping and planning work. 

When will the work start?

Early planning and scoping, and feasibility studies have started to enable network planning, land access and concept designs as well as the work on procuring long-lead items.

Our scoping work involves undertaking a combination of the following activities:

  • consultation with local governments and State Government agencies
  • extensive engagement with private landowners and community
  • environmental impact assessments
  • cultural heritage assessments

The construction target date is 2027.

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