The Goldfields region has always been an integral part of the Western Australian story of enterprise, industry and opportunity. Today, Kalgoorlie and the Eastern Goldfields contribute around $19 billion to the State’s economy each year, mining the critical minerals and rare earths that underpin the technologies at the heart of the global clean energy transition, including electric vehicles, solar panels, and wind turbines.
As Western Australia decarbonises its energy systems and builds a more diverse, more resilient economy, the region will continue to play a vital role in shaping our State’s future - supported by new energy infrastructure to power its growth.
To help support energy resilience in the region and power a more diverse and resilient local economy, the State Government has committed $150 million toward the development of a Vanadium Battery Energy Storage System (VBESS) in Kalgoorlie. Once complete, the 50 megawatt, 500 megawatt-hour battery will be capable of discharging for up to ten hours, helping to integrate more renewable generation into the grid, strengthen system stability, and support the development of a cleaner, more resilient energy system for Western Australia.
Expression of Interest
To advance the VBESS project, the State Government, through the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification, is now conducting a two-stage Expression of Interest (EOI) process to refine the final scope of the project.
Stage One of this EOI is now open and will run until 30 January 2026.
Stage One of the EOI process closed on 30 January 2026. This initial stage invited industry participation to help shape the final scope of the project; identify opportunities to maximise local content, ensure value for money, and refine the structure for the State’s investment.
Over 20 individual submissions were received, covering all aspects of the VBESS project, including the development of a local vanadium battery supply chain. The volume and high-quality nature of responses highlights industry’s appetite for the project.
DEED is now working through the responses. Further updates on the project, including more detail on Stage Two of the EOI process, will be communicated in due course.
Stage Two of the EOI will seek detailed business cases to be evaluated against the assessment criteria informed by responses to Stage One, with the aim of selecting a preferred proponent in mid-2026 to deliver the VBESS.
Relevant Documents
Local Content
VBESS is a landmark project for Kalgoorlie, providing an opportunity to harness the Goldfields-Esperance region’s strong manufacturing and construction capabilities. By leveraging local expertise, the project will ensure that regional businesses are at the heart of its success.
Local Content Advisers play a vital role in connecting Head Contractors with local suppliers. Local participation can reduce travel and accommodation costs, strengthen supply chains, and support economic growth across the region.
For more information and to connect with relevant local suppliers, please contact Jude Daley, Goldfields-Esperance Local Content Adviser – 9080 5009 or Jude.Daley@gedc.wa.gov.au
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If you have any further questions, please reach out to VBESS@deed.wa.gov.au.
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