To meet our commitment to Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050 and build a stronger, more diversified economy, the State Government is advancing its vision to make Western Australia a renewable energy powerhouse. From mining the critical minerals needed to develop battery storage systems, to advancing our Made in WA plan by manufacturing the transmission infrastructure required to connect new wind and solar projects to the grid, this marks one of the most significant infrastructure, technology, and energy transformations in Western Australia’s history. As part of this transformation, our State’s main energy system, the South West Interconnected System (SWIS), is changing as Western Australia leads the way toward a clean energy future.
The South West Interconnected System Transmission Plan
The South West Interconnected System Transmission Plan (the Plan) sets out the State Government’s vision for Western Power’s transmission network, along with the investment needed to deliver on that vision. Developed by Energy Policy WA and Western Power, the Plan builds on the extensive modelling and system planning carried out in the Whole of System Plan 2020, the South West Interconnected System Demand Assessment: 2023 to 2024, and the South West Interconnected System Planning Update.
The Plan aligns the future transmission build with the requirements of industry, population growth, decarbonisation goals, and the Government’s economic growth and diversification agenda. There are three distinct phases of development outlined in the Plan:
- Phase One
Phase One Clean Energy Link projects will connect the new generation capacity we need as coal retires; while also meeting growing electricity demand and connecting the industrial loads we need to drive a more diverse economy.
- Phase Two
Phase Two will deliver the transmission infrastructure needed to deliver a greater amount of renewable energy to households, schools, hospitals and small businesses, while supporting new industries like green steel and battery production. It will also support the electrification of existing industry.
- Phase Three
Phase Three Clean Energy Link projects would expand Western Power’s network to support economic diversification through the development of new green industries. Planning for Phase Three projects will include close consultation with industry and comprehensive system modelling and planning exercises to ensure our evolving energy needs inform the build.
Find Out More
To find out more about the South West Interconnected System Transmission Plan, you can download the summary and full Plan at the links below:
- South West Interconnected System Transmission Plan: Summary
- South West Interconnected System Transmission Plan
- South West Interconnected System Transmission Plan: Public Webinar Slides
To find out more about the Plan, you can visit the FAQ page here.
Looking Forward
The WA Government will continue to engage with industry and community stakeholders to realise the vision outlined in the Plan, delivering the infrastructure that will cement WA’s position as a renewable energy powerhouse.
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