WA sets high bar for renewable energy target

Developed in response to industry feedback from the government’s Productivity Roundtable, the plan outlines how it will deliver affordable, reliable, and lower-carbon energy for business while supporting jobs, investment, and economic growth.

The plan is centred on delivering more renewable energy, backed by battery storage and flexible WA gas, to lower energy costs across the state.

Premier Roger Cook says the plan is about getting more renewables onto the grid, so that people can benefit from secure, more affordable energy.

“By delivering more renewable energy backed by battery storage and flexible WA gas, we’re building a State of Energy and putting downward pressure on power prices,” says Cook.

“In addition to getting more renewables into the system for the long-term, my government is building on our Residential Battery Scheme by providing low-interest loans to WA manufacturing businesses, so they can access solar, batteries, and energy-efficient equipment to keep their energy costs down in the meantime.”

Modelling undertaken by the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification and assured by Boston Consulting Group demonstrates that without the initiatives outlined, energy prices paid by industry could increase by 89 per cent by 2032.

A key initiative is the $150 million Made in WA Energy Affordability Investment Program, which is open for applications and will provide low-interest loans of up to $15 million to help manufacturers install solar and battery systems and upgrade equipment to take advantage of cheaper energy.

The plan also includes:

• A target of 75 per cent renewable energy generation on the South West Interconnected System by the 2030–31 financial year
• Ongoing support for household solar, batteries, and electric vehicles
• Continued support for WA’s domestic gas reservation policy and a future gas security strategy
• Transitional measures to ensure consumers do not overpay for reserve capacity.

Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson says the Plan for Affordable Energy is about backing WA jobs and WA businesses.

“We know that renewables, backed by storage and gas, is the cheapest and most reliable energy mix for Western Australia,” she says.

As WA progresses the retirement of State-owned coal-fired power generation by 2030, the plan will help avoid the increasing costs associated with operating ageing coal assets while ensuring households and businesses continue to have access to affordable and reliable power.

Feature image of Perth, courtesy of Shah Rokh from Pixabay.

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