To help support energy resilience in the Goldfields region and power a more diverse and resilient local economy, the State Government has committed $150 million towards the establishment of the Kalgoorlie Vanadium Battery Energy Storage System (VBESS).
The 50 megawatt/500 megawatt-hour battery will help achieve the State Government’s objectives to:
- reinforce power system security and reliability in Kalgoorlie and the Eastern Goldfields;
- support the adoption of long-duration energy storage technologies in WA; and
- catalyse the development of the local vanadium industry.
The State Government completed Stage One of the Expression of Interest (EOI) earlier in 2026. Responses to Stage One demonstrated significant industry interest in delivering the VBESS and investing in the local supply chain and have informed the State Government’s approach to Stage Two of the EOI.
Request for Proposals
The State Government invited Proponents to submit Proposals to deliver the VBESS. There is $150 million in grant funding available to the successful Proponent. Provision of the funding will be subject to terms and conditions negotiated between the State and the Preferred Proponent.
The submission period closed at 4:00pm (AWST) on Monday, 20 July.
The State Government is now evaluating Proposals, Proponents may be contacted to provide further information, clarifications or to attend structured interviews. Further information will be provided to Proponents in due course.
The State Government expects to announce the Preferred Proponent later in 2026, with Funding Agreement negotiations to commence shortly thereafter.
Relevant EOI Stage Two Documents
- Kalgoorlie VBESS EOI Stage Two: Proposal Guidelines
- Kalgoorlie VBESS EOI Stage Two: Proposal Guidelines Part B
Industry Briefing: Public Webinar - Monday 8 June 2026
To support the development of Proposals, DEED hosted a non-mandatory industry briefing on Monday, 8 June 2026. This provided an overview of Stage Two of the EOI and gave industry the opportunity to ask questions about the Proposal Guidelines and the EOI Process more broadly. A recording of the briefing is available below:
Kalgoorlie VBESS Stage Two EOI Industry Briefing Meeting Recording
General Clarification Questions & Answers
During the Stage Two submission period, DEED published answers to clarification questions of a general nature received from Proponents, in accordance with clause 7.9.4(c) of the EOI Conditions.
The following document is final and DEED will not consider any further clarification questions submitted by Proponents.
Questions relating to proprietary aspects of Proponents’ Proposals have not been published or circulated to Competing Proponents.
VBESS EOI Stage Two - General Clarification Questions and Answers
Local Content
Alongside delivery, operational sustainability and commerciality, Proposals will be evaluated based on their alignment with the Made in WA plan and support for broader regional, economic and community outcomes.
The VBESS is a landmark project for Kalgoorlie, providing an opportunity for the successful Proponent to harness the Goldfields-Esperance region’s strong manufacturing and construction opportunities. By leveraging local expertise, the project will ensure that regional businesses are at the heart of its success.
Local Content Advisors play a vital role in connecting Head Contractors with local suppliers. Local participation can reduce travel and accommodation costs, strengthen the supply chain 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 Advisor – 9080 5009 or Jude.Daley@gedc.wa.gov.au.
Stay Updated
Sign up here to receive email updates on the Kalgoorlie Vanadium Battery Energy Storage System.
If you have any further questions, please reach out to VBESS@deed.wa.gov.au.
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