Renewable Energy Transmission
WA is working towards its goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. In 2022, the WA Government announced all State-owned coal-fired power stations will be retired by 2030.
Initiative progress
In Progress
Communities and industry are also making the shift to renewables, and the WA Government is working to ensure everyone has access to reliable electricity now and into the future.
Decarbonising the energy system requires more than just switching from fossil fuels to renewables. We must upgrade and expand Western Australia’s transmission networks to take advantage of the sun and wind in areas where it is most plentiful.
The WA Government has completed an assessment (the SWIS Demand Assessment) to determine the upgrades required to transition to an energy system powered mostly by renewable energy sources. The assessment found our energy system would be most reliable when the transmission network is connected to strong wind and solar resources in diverse locations.
Timeline and Milestones
June 2022 – The Government announced State-owned coal power stations will be retired by 2030 and an estimated $3.8 billion will be invested in new green power infrastructure, including wind generation and storage.
August 2022 – SWIS Demand Assessment announced.
May 2023 – SWIS Demand Assessment results and findings released. Delivery of the first stage of requirements identified in the assessment commences within government to facilitate this part of the energy transition.
July 2023 – Members of the Pilbara Industry Roundtable agree on common use electricity infrastructure in the Pilbara region, supporting increased renewable energy usage.
August 2023 – As part of Rewiring the Nation, the Commonwealth Government committed to provide up to $3 billion in low-cost finance to support electricity transmission projects in Western Australia.
WA’s main electricity system - the South West Interconnected System (SWIS)
The South West Interconnected System (SWIS) is WA’s main electricity network, covering the majority of WA’s population. Looking ahead, expanding the transmission network will be important to ensure we have a steady and reliable supply of renewable electricity.
To understand the potential change in electricity demand, a SWIS Demand Assessment was undertaken. The SWIS Demand Assessment provides an insight into future demand for renewable energy supplied through WA’s main electricity network.
This includes an examination of the network, generation and storage infrastructure required to meet increased demand. The assessment helps inform infrastructure development, transmission network expansion, and generation capacity to meet the anticipated electricity demands.
The SWIS Demand Assessment found demand for electricity could increase up to 800 per cent by 2042, as customers and industry electrify existing processes that use fossil fuels or new industries that rely on renewable energy are established.
To support this increased demand and strengthen the system, around 4,000 kilometres of new transmission lines (a 50 per cent increase) would be required to leverage the locations with the best renewable energy resources.
The Pilbara
Modelling undertaken through the Pilbara Industry Roundtable found electricity demand could increase three to six-fold and may require between 3,400 kilometres and 4,000 kilometres of new transmission lines.
Decarbonising the Pilbara is essential if emissions reduction targets are to be met.
The region represents around 23 per cent of national safeguard facility emissions, with only 2 per cent of energy currently being generated from renewable energy sources.
Future ready grid
Enabling industries, transport, and homes to use low-emission energy is crucial for lowering the State’s greenhouse gas emissions.
WA has some of the best renewable energy sources in the world, with plenty of sunlight and wind.
However, powerlines are needed to connect these resources, including to new locations for emerging industries – e.g. renewable hydrogen.
These initiatives will support a reliable electricity network and WA’s transition to a low carbon future.
The Commonwealth Government has provided Western Australia with $3 billion in low-cost finance from Rewiring the Nation to support electricity transmission projects in the SWIS and the Pilbara.
Planning a better system together
Planning is underway to turn our renewable energy system from a vision into action.
Consultation has commenced with industry and government agencies.
The location of transmission lines and wind and solar generation projects (including potential renewable energy generation hubs) will be developed in consultation with key stakeholders, communities and Aboriginal people.
For more information:
Consultation with existing and new industrial users is currently progressing to inform a network investment strategy, including mechanism for industry contributions and third-party investments.
Find out more about the SWIS Demand Assessment and sign-up to get notified when additional online and in-person consultations become available.
Play your part
Find out how you can take climate action and contribute to a stronger, low-carbon future.
Take action now
Related Initiatives
Connecting more renewable generation to electricity customers in the Pilbara region.
The 51 turbines of Warradarge Wind Farm located near Eneabba (Mid West region) are amongst the largest in WA.
BESS's are helping more households and businesses connect and benefit from rooftop solar.
