WA Govt to assess renewable energy needs
The Western Australian Government has announced it will be undertaking a fast-tracked assessment of new and existing demand for renewable energy for the state’s main electricity network, the South West Interconnected System (SWIS).
This process will help the WA Government understand future demand for low-emissions electricity supply on the SWIS, as a growing number of industries and businesses seek to decarbonise through electrification.
“This assessment of renewable energy demand will be an essential tool in achieving a smooth and orderly transition towards net zero by 2050,” Premier and Treasurer Mark McGowan said.
“It’s important we act now to achieve an orderly transition in our electricity network to avoid the kind of situations seen elsewhere in the nation.”
An interim assessment will be undertaken ahead of the next Whole of System Plan, which is required by 2025. The SWIS Demand Assessment will gather information from industry about the size, location and time frame of anticipated electricity demand to 2030 and beyond.
The information collected will also be used to inform the electricity Sectoral Emissions Reduction Strategies through a coordinated stakeholder engagement process.
The Treasury-led taskforce membership will include the Department of the Premier and Cabinet; Energy Policy WA; the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation; and Western Power.
The SWIS starts north in Kalbarri, runs through Perth down to Albany in the south and extends to Kalgoorlie in the east.
Energy Minister Bill Johnston said the McGowan government had already committed to the closure of state-owned coal power stations by 2030, as well as an investment of $3.8 billion in wind generation and storage.
“Western Power’s network will be the backbone that supports decarbonisation in the south-west of Western Australia, helping connect industry to renewable energy sources,” Johnston said.
“Industry has told us they need to decarbonise quickly and I’m pleased to explore how the network could support their ambition through the expedited SWIS Demand Assessment.”
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