- Expressions of interest (EOI) sought for billions of dollars
of new transmission projects in the Pilbara
- Projects to support emerging clean energy industries in WA's
economic heartland
- Successful proponents to receive Priority Project status and
recommendation to negotiate for funding through Commonwealth Government's
Rewiring the Nation fund
- Process forms part of decarbonisation efforts through
Pilbara Energy Transition Plan
The Cook Labor Government
is securing the Pilbara's clean energy future with an expressions of interest
(EOI) process seeking project proponents that can build the transmission needed
to decarbonise Western Australia's economic heartland.
As part of the EOI
process, the Government will seek proponents that can build transmission that
can decarbonise industry while minimising on-Country impacts.
Successful proponents will
be granted Priority Project status - meaning the project canbenefit
from State Government facilitation - as well as receive the State's
recommendation to negotiate with the Clean Energy Finance Corporation to access
funding through the Commonwealth Government's $3 billion Rewiring the Nation
fund.
Applicants are being
sought to develop projects in the following transmission corridors:
- The Burrup (Murujuga) Corridor linking the Maitland
Strategic Industrial Area (SIA), with Karratha and the Burrup SIA;
- The
Chichester Range Corridor connecting the Maitland SIA with a high-quality wind
zone proximate to the Chichester Range;
- The
Hamersley Range Corridor connecting the Boodarie SIA and Port Hedland with the
eastern edge of the Hamersley Range; and
- The
Great Sandy Desert Corridor connecting the Boodarie SIA and Port Hedland with
proposed renewable generation projects near the Great Sandy Desert.
This builds on previously
announced plans to deliver a high-capacity common-use transmission line linking
renewable energy generation in the Maitland SIA with Karratha and major Pilbara
industry players.
The EOI process is a key
part of the Pilbara Energy Transition Plan, which aims to accelerate
decarbonisation and meet increasing energy demands by encouraging the
development of common-use infrastructure in the region.
Applications close on
October 25 with recommendations expected by the end of 2024.
Further information,
including guidelines, application forms and details of information sessions,
are available via: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/energy-policy-wa/pilbara-energy-transition-plan.
Comments attributed to Energy Minister Reece Whitby:
"Through the Pilbara
Energy Transition Plan we are driving the region's decarbonisation in a way
that supports existing industry, unlocks new business and job opportunities,
and minimises impact on Country.
"This is a world-class
infrastructure investment opportunity that will play a pivotal role in global decarbonisation.
"The Pilbara will be a
clean energy powerhouse, with potential to amplify the economic success of our
mining industry, and I encourage all interested parties to engage in this
generational opportunity."
Comments attributed to Minister Assisting the State and Industry
Development, Jobs and Trade Minister Stephen Dawson:
"This is another exciting
project being undertaken by the Cook Government to support decarbonising the
Pilbara.
"This EOI process is an
important step to ensure WA's economic heartland has the necessary
infrastructure required to decarbonise industry and support our region's
ambition of becoming a clean energy superpower."
Comments attributed to
Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"I am excited about this
new EOI process for priority transmission projects in the Pilbara.
"This is another step in our journey to cleaner energy and will support
existing industries and create new opportunities.
"By focusing on key
transmission corridors we can drive growth and ensure the Pilbara remains a key
player in Australia's economy.
"I encourage all
interested parties to apply and be part of the Pilbara's bright, sustainable
future."
