Goldfields Regional Network Stage One: Concept Study

Development of the Goldfields Regional Network (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.

Stage One: Overview

PoweringWA worked with external consultants to model the GRN concept.

Three demand scenarios were considered, based on five potential network-nodes – Leinster, Leonora/Laverton, Boorabbin, Mount Burges/Kalgoorlie, and Kambalda – that could access the high-quality wind and solar resources throughout the Goldfields region.

Varying levels of growth in demand and electrification were applied to baseline demand, which was held constant to 2028-29 under all three scenarios.

The modelled demand scenarios were:

Outcomes

Stage One modelling undertaken in 2024 found that:

• The GRN could be part of the least-cost solution for meeting energy demand in the Goldfields across all three demand scenarios.
   
• Assuming the GRN utilises a 132kV overhead double-circuit line with a capacity of 150 MW per circuit, the network ‘backbone’ could cost approximately $1.4 billion.
   
• Under both the “Steady” and “Electrification” demand scenarios, over 2.5 GW of renewable energy generation, plus storage capacity and firming gas-generation, are required within the GRN footprint to meet future demand.
   
• The GRN could provide more affordable, sustainable, and reliable electricity than existing standalone self-supply arrangements.

To find out more about Stage One inputs, assumptions, and results, you can download the information packs from the Goldfields Region Electricity Forum below:

• GREF - Event Slide Pack
   
• GREF - Follow-up Detailed Slides - Stage 1 Concept Study

Next Steps

PoweringWA is progressing both Stages Two (Commercial Assessment) and Three (Regulatory and Markets Review) of the GRN process.

Stage Two began in March 2025, with the commencement of Stage Three to follow later this year. PoweringWA aims to complete both Stages by late 2025.

PoweringWA is also investigating the establishment of working groups to ensure ongoing stakeholder engagement throughout the GRN process and may look to host a second Goldfields Region Electricity Forum in the future to present Stage Two and Three outcomes to industry, local communities, and Aboriginal groups.

Stay Up to Date

Sign up here to receive updates on the Goldfield Regional Network.