The Western Australian Government is working to transition our energy systems and deliver a more diverse and resilient WA economy.
Unlocking affordable low emissions energy in the Goldfields is an important part of these plans. The Goldfields’ famous gold mines – the first of which was dug over a century ago – are now complemented by nickel, lithium, rare earth, and cobalt mines, along with critical mineral processing and battery manufacturing operations. To decarbonise these operations and fully realise the economic opportunities of WA’s energy transition, the Goldfields region will require new electricity infrastructure.
The Goldfields Regional Network
Electricity modelling as part of the South West Interconnected System Demand Assessment (SWISDA) identified the potential development of a new electricity network in the Goldfields as a key component of WA’s energy transition.
The State Government is exploring 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 Aboriginal people, industry, and communities in the region.
How would it work?
The GRN would connect renewable energy generation, particularly high-quality wind resources available north of Leinster, to where it is needed. This would allow industry in the Goldfields access to low-emissions energy and ensure the supply of electricity in the region is able to meet future demand. The potential network would also support decarbonisation of the region’s mining, metals and minerals processing loads, while also enhancing energy reliability and resilience in the region - benefiting both industry and community.
Working together
PoweringWA is actively engaging with industry and Aboriginal people in the region to investigate the best possible solutions for the GRN.
This engagement includes the inaugural Goldfields Region Electricity Forum, held on 1 November 2024 in Kalgoorlie. This Forum brought together stakeholders from across Government, as well as representatives from Aboriginal communities and industry, sharing information about the GRN project.
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.
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 from the region have meaningful opportunities to participate in, and benefit from, the GRN.
To find out more about the GRN working groups, click here.
Project timeline
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 – a high-level economic assessment of the GRN concept – is now complete and PoweringWA is progressing Stages Two (Commercial Assessment) and Stage Three (Regulatory and Markets Review).
Stage Two began in March 2025 and Stage Three will follow later this year. PoweringWA aims to complete both Stages by early - mid 2026.
Relevant documents
- GREF - Event Slide Pack
- GREF - Follow-up Detailed Slides - Stage One Concept Study
- Slides - Goldfields Regional Network: Commercial Working Group Meeting 1
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