Western Australia has committed to a renewable energy target of 75% by 2030-2031 for its main electricity grid as it prepares for the retirement of state-owned coal-fired power stations by the end of this decade.
The Western Australia government aims to achieve 75% renewable electricity on the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) by 2030-31, supported by large-scale solar, wind, and battery energy storage projects.
The target doubles the previous goal of 40% and comes as the state prepares to exit coal-fired power by 2030.
The state government said the renewable energy target (RET) is complemented by a Made in WA Energy Affordability Investment Program that will provide low-interest loans of up to AUD 15 million ($10.5 million) to help manufacturers install solar and battery systems and upgrade equipment to take advantage of cheaper energy.
WA Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the new 75% target is a “statement of intent” that is designed to encourage private sector investment.
“We know that renewables, backed by storage and gas, is the cheapest and most reliable energy mix for Western Australia,” she said. “That’s why we’re powering ahead with our support for the energy opportunities of the future and encouraging businesses to invest in WA.”
The government’s commitment has been welcomed by climate advocacy collaborative Solutions for Climate WA and its alliance of business, industry, investors, unions, and advocacy bodies.
Solutions for Climate WA Director Jessica Panegyres said the new target is a key step forward for the state’s energy future.
“[This] makes it clear that the future of our electricity system is renewables,” she said. “A renewable energy target sends an important signal to the businesses, investors, workers and communities who will deliver WA’s next generation of energy infrastructure.”
Western Australia has some of the best renewable energy resources in the world and a strong industrial base and Panegyres said setting a target provides the certainty required to turn that potential into investment on the ground.
Panegyres said the next task is making sure WA has a credible pathway to achieve its goal.
“That means continuing to accelerate investment in renewable energy generation, storage and the transmission infrastructure needed to connect it, while ensuring communities and regional areas share in the benefits,” she said.
Smart Energy Council (SEC) State Manager John Welch said WA’s new renewable energy target will advance the rate of growth for the state’s renewable energy industry
“Our members across solar, wind and battery storage are ready to build in WA, and a target gives them a clear goal to build towards,” he said, adding that transmission will be critical to achieving the target. “The priority now is to keep the grid build moving and lock in dates for its next stages.”
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