Western Australia is set to benefit from a major boost in renewable energy storage, with the federal government announcing four large-scale battery projects scheduled to be operational by October 2027.
The Boddington Giga Battery, Merredin Big Battery, Muchea Battery, and Waroona Renewable Energy Project have successfully secured support under WA’s first tender for the Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS), marking a significant milestone in the state’s clean energy transition.
These batteries will collectively add 654 megawatts (MW) of capacity to WA’s electricity grid, capable of discharging nearly 2,600 megawatt hours (MWh) of energy.
This is enough to power over 600,000 households for up to four hours during evening peaks, with the batteries recharging the next day using surplus renewable energy generated during daylight hours.
The projects are expected to create hundreds of construction and operational jobs, delivering $145 million in community benefits and $41.5 million in direct benefits to First Nations groups.
Additionally, proponents will invest over $712 million in local content and contribute $63.5 million toward local employment initiatives, including vocational education and training programs for apprentices.
Assistant Energy Minister Josh Wilson emphasised the significance of these developments, stating: “WA is a forward-leaning, ambitious energy state that is looking to harness the economic, social, and environmental benefits of the global clean energy transition.”
Launched in September 2024, the tender initially aimed to secure 500 MW of new storage capacity but received bids amounting to seven times this target.
This overwhelming interest enabled the government to exceed its original goal by underwriting additional capacity.
The assessment criteria prioritised reducing wholesale electricity costs and enhancing reliability across WA’s Wholesale Electricity Market (WEM).
Energy Minister Chris Bowen praised the record levels of renewable investment driven by the government’s Reliable Renewables Plan, stating: “Investors are outcompeting each other to deliver more of the cheapest form of energy for Western Australia this decade.”
These projects align with the federal government’s broader strategy to phase out aging coal-fired power stations and meet growing demand with affordable renewable energy solutions.
Currently, renewables account for about one-third of WA’s electricity mix, with a record-breaking peak of over 84 per cent achieved last year.
The next CIS tender for WA is scheduled for mid-2025, targeting additional generation and storage capacity.
Consultation on the tender design is now open for public feedback.
Minister Bowen contrasted this approach with opposition leader Peter Dutton’s nuclear energy plans, stating: “Western Australia needs more electricity now — not decades from now when nuclear schemes may or may not become a reality.”
This initiative underscores WA’s leadership in renewable energy innovation while delivering cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable power to households and businesses across the state.