The Western Australia government is seeking interested parties in delivering a vanadium battery for Kalgoorlie.
Installing a vanadium battery energy storage system (VBESS) is part of the state government’s Made in WA plan to diversify the economy and enable Western Australia to become a renewable energy powerhouse.
The VBESS will be the largest of its kind in Australian and will be supported by AU$150 million in government funding.
The project will involve the installation of a 50-megawatt/500 megawatt-hour, WA-made vanadium flow battery using locally sourced and processed vanadium capable of discharging for up to 10 hours.
Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the project will boost power reliability and support the state’s clean energy transition.
“A locally made and sourced vanadium flow battery will create jobs during construction, deliver improved energy resilience for the region and complement other planned upgrades in the Goldfields region,” she said.
“Long-duration storage projects like this will play a bigger role as we build a more resilient energy system for the future.”
The government opened the first part of a two-stage expression of interest which runs until January 30, 2026. The government is encouraging local businesses to play a role in the project, working with industry to deliver practical outcomes.
Stage two of the process will be held in early to mid-2026 and will evaluate detailed business cases, with the aim of selecting a preferred proponent to deliver the VBESS project.
Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent said: “The vanadium project is a game-changer for the Goldfields’ energy future and it positions Kalgoorlie-Boulder at the forefront of innovation, showcasing our capacity to lead in advanced battery manufacturing, creating local jobs and diversifying our local economy.”
