State commits $26.4m for regional clean energy transition

The state government will invest $26.4 million in locally built clean energy components in regional Western Australia to boost the state’s energy manufacturing sector.

In a 2024-25 state budget commitment announced today, some $18.4 million will be used to deliver 50 WA-built standalone power systems in Esperance and throughout the Mid West region.

The systems are off-grid power units which provide low-cost, reliable power to end-of-network customers through a combination of solar panels and battery storage with back-up generators.

Delivered through Horizon Power, 56 SPS have already been delivered across regional WA since 2021, allowing for the removal of around 184km of overhead powerlines.

On top of the SPS investment, the state will also invest $8 million to support local business to manufacture win turbine components.

WA Premier Roger Cook said the energy transition was the biggest economic shift in a generation.

“We’ve got the wind and solar to power a cleaner, affordable and reliable energy future in WA, and our investment means it’s local businesses building the parts we need to become a renewable energy powerhouse,” he said.

Energy Minister Reece Whitby said standalone power systems would plan an important role in WA’s decarbonisation efforts.

“The investment will ensure regional Western Australians can access clean, affordable and reliable power,” he said.

The funding for the wind turbine components will be available as grants to develop manufacturing opportunities across the state.