Mark McGowan

Resources giant Rio Tinto has officially opened what it is calling its most technologically advanced mine in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The Gudai-Darri iron ore mine features a 34 MW solar farm capable of meeting one-third of the facility’s energy needs.

Western Australia is set to exit coal-fired power by the end of the decade as state-owned power provider Synergy will close its two remaining coal plants by 2029 in response. Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan said coal was no longer viable due to the high-penetration of solar, particularly rooftop. McGowan also announced a $662 million boost for the coal-town of Collie’s industrial transition and $3.8 billion in statewide renewable investment, with a focus on energy storage.

Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan and Energy Minister Bill Johnston were in attendance yesterday when Horizon Power and Pacific Energy officially opened the Shark Lake Renewables Hub, which features 4 MW of solar alongside wind turbines, battery energy storage and a gas power plant.

Over 1000 kW of solar capacity is being installed atop 59 Western Australian train and bus stations, with work already completed at a number of the sites.

Western Australia’s long-awaited Climate Policy has landed with somewhat of a whimper, nevertheless, there is something to be said of its investment in the uptake of electric vehicles, including what is to become Australia’s longest EV charging network. Nevertheless, there is perhaps something more to say about how dovish this policy is in regards to some of the world’s largest emitters being harboured in Western Australia.

Western Australia’s Recovery Plan continues to grow greenery as more renewable aspects of the state’s stimulus package come to light, specifically solar light that is. The state government has committed $22 million toward nine green hydrogen initiatives across the state, while also bringing forward its Renewable Hydrogen Strategy targets a decade and topping up the green hydrogen fund.

The Schools Virtual Power Plant pilot project, part of the WA Government’s $66.3 million investment in solar and batteries in its WA Recovery Plan from the impacts of Covid-19, will see ten schools transformed into VPPs. The two year trial is expected to bring reduced electricity bills to schools, improved grid stability, and increased solar uptake in the local community.

The Kimberley Recovery Plan spells out in regional focus the renewable energy investments heading to the Kimberley from the Western Australian Government’s $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan. The Kimberley region is set for an injection of funds to help fortify a sustainable renewable energy sector, particularly for the uptake of residential rooftop solar and energy storage systems.

Western Australia’s McGowan Labor Government has announced its $1 billion economic and health relief package to assuage the effects of Covid-19. Key to the relief package is support for Western Australians struggling to pay their electricity bills.