The State Government has identified four priority corridors for the development of new common use transmission infrastructure in the Pilbara. As part of the Expression of Interest process launched at the Pilbara Roundtable on 13 September, project proponents within these corridors were invited to apply for Priority Project status as part of the Pilbara Energy Transmission (PET) Plan.
The Great Sandy Desert Corridor will link Port Hedland with the western end of the Great Sandy Desert, a remote and sparsely populated region that is home to distinctively large longitudinal sand dunes. Transmission in this Corridor will link the Boodarie Strategic Industrial Area (SIA) with high-quality renewable resources that prospective generators are looking to develop to the east. This enhanced energy supply will be important in helping to grow the emerging green iron industry in the Boodarie SIA.
The Pilbara Energy Transition (PET) Plan
The PET Plan will accelerate decarbonisation by encouraging more common-use transmission infrastructure in the Pilbara and unlocking the best renewable resources in the region. The plan is a crucial component of delivering the State Government’s commitment to reach Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Transmission infrastructure is critical for connecting renewable energy to where the demand for electricity is located. Common-use infrastructure in the Pilbara will enable access to diverse renewable energy sources, supporting energy security and reliability and reducing the impact of industry on the environment.
Priority Projects
Priority common-use transmission projects will be identified under the PET Plan. Designated Priority Projects will receive a State Government recommendation to be considered for concessional financing from WA's allocation of up to $3 billion under the Australian Government's Rewiring the Nation program, administered by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation.
