The Goldfields region plays an important part in WA’s economic prosperity, history, and identity. Widely recognised as the heart of WA’s gold mining industry, the region is now also home to significant lithium, rare earth and cobalt projects, as well as critical mineral processing and emerging battery manufacturing operations. However, the Goldfields will need new electricity infrastructure to decarbonise these industries and fully unlock the economic benefits of WA’s energy transition.
Therefore, the State Government is investigating the development of a new common-use electricity network in the region - the Goldfields Regional Network (GRN). This network would be privately led, and developed collaboratively with local Aboriginal people, industry, and communities in the region.
The Goldfields Region Electricity Forum
As part of the GRN project, the inaugural Goldfields Regional Electricity Forum (GRE Forum) was held in Kalgoorlie on 1 November 2024, bringing together Aboriginal people from the region, industry and Government stakeholders to investigate the potential development of the GRN. The event followed the completion of a high-level economic assessment of the GRN, which established the initial feasibility of the GRN. The GRE Forum was an important opportunity to consider options, challenges and opportunities associated with the project, and to share information and engage with stakeholders.
Going Forward
The development of the GRN is progressing through a structured, three-stage process aimed at demonstrating the Network's feasibility and potential benefits. Stage One of this process is complete and PoweringWA is now progressing both Stages Two (Commercial Assessment) and Three (Regulatory and Markets Review).
To ensure meaningful consultation as the GRN project progresses, PoweringWA is establishing a Commercial Working Group and a Regulatory and Markets Working Group. These groups will be consultative in nature - acting as a platform for information sharing and advice. They will not be required to make project decisions.
To find out more about the GRN working groups, click here.
In parallel to these working groups, PoweringWA will undertake structured engagement with Aboriginal stakeholders. The outcomes of this engagement will help shape the GRN project while also ensuring Aboriginal groups in the region have meaningful opportunities to participate in, and benefit from, the project.
Relevant documents
Stay up to date
Sign up here to receive updates on the Goldfield Regional Network.
Print this page
