Enabling major customer decarbonisation Our stories
Industry is playing a pivotal role in enabling the once-in-a-generation expansion of the SWIS transmission network, which is essential to support industrial decarbonisation, integrate renewable generation, and drive State and regional economic growth as we progress toward net zero. As businesses transition to electrified and low-emissions operations, their projects often depend on network augmentation and, in turn, directly influence the scope and direction of Western Power’s Clean Energy Link Program. Western Power’s efforts to connect large-scale transmission customers, manage the relocation of existing assets, and develop customer investment cases that underpin Clean Energy Link transmission expansion involves proactive engagement with industry to understand medium- and long-term energy plans, informing network strategy and planning. Over the past year, we focused on building a clearer picture of where renewable investment is likely to occur, future load forecasts, and project readiness – including timing, status, and willingness to contribute to network upgrades and connection costs. To support prioritisation, we introduced the Critical Projects Framework, which assesses project readiness against defined criteria such as alignment with State objectives and customer preparedness. This approach enables us to focus resources on the most credible and impactful projects. Western Power’s pipeline of connection-ready projects as of 30 June totals 12.81GW. A review of our MCCP process in 2022 identified several key opportunities to improve the process efficiencies and in turn the customer’s experience. These initiatives were also designed to streamline the customers requirements and increase customer transparency. This year, we launched several key initiatives of the new Major Customer Connections Process, which simplifies workflows and reduces processing time. We also launched MyWP Portal to provide better visibility of project progress to customers, and introduced new self-serve capabilities – including dynamic
studies and customer-led design and construct (D&C) options – offering greater control, flexibility, and scalability to customers. These initiatives are already delivering results, helping us manage increasing volumes of connection enquiries. This work is part of a broader effort to enhance Western Power’s systems, processes, regulatory frameworks, and engagement with government, customers, and industry – ensuring we are equipped to support the scale and pace of connections required to decarbonise the SWIS. This year, we have been progressing transmission enhancements in Perth’s northern corridor as part of Clean Energy Link – North to unlock additional renewable generation capacity in the Mid West and other regions rich in solar and wind resources. Construction crews have been deployed. We’re working closely with major customers to inform and align transmission expansion plans, to be delivered under the Clean Energy Link Program. In FY25 we connected 880 MW of renewable technology: 100 MW solar: • Cunderdin hybrid Solar Farm/BESS (100MW) 780 MW storage:
• Neoen Shotts Stage 1 (200MW) BESS • Synergy Collie BESS Stage 2 (230MW) • Neoen Shotts Stage 2 (300MW) BESS • Cunderdin Solar Farm (50MW) BESS
In FY25 we issued access offers for 759MW: • 166 MW Load; BP H2 Kwinana
• 188MW Solar: Three Springs Solar 89MW and Waroona Solar Farm (99MW) • 205MW Wind: Synergy King Rocks Wind Farm (103MW) and Synergy Warradarge Wind Farm Expansion (102MW) • 200MW BESS: Alinta Wagerup (100MW) and Nomad Merredin Big Battery (100MW)
Western Power Annual Report 2025
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