{"id":190452,"date":"2025-10-04T23:24:12","date_gmt":"2025-10-04T23:24:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/190452\/"},"modified":"2025-10-04T23:24:12","modified_gmt":"2025-10-04T23:24:12","slug":"transmission-bottleneck-threatens-was-renewable-transition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/190452\/","title":{"rendered":"Transmission bottleneck threatens WA\u2019s renewable transition"},"content":{"rendered":"

Western Australia has committed to closing all its state coal generators by 2030 and power the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) with more renewables. <\/p>\n

But the rollout of transmission infrastructure and large-scale renewable projects is a complex process that\u2019s taking much longer than anticipated. Without complementary solutions, there\u2019s a risk that this plan could be further delayed.<\/p>\n

The State Government\u2019s recently announced SWIS Transmission Plan to make WA a renewable energy powerhouse<\/a> sets out the infrastructure needed to unlock new renewable energy zones.<\/p>\n

Yet, apart from the Clean Energy Link North, most of the plan remains unfunded which creates investment uncertainty for developers and leaves the transition plan incomplete.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Without decisive action, gas generation risks filling the gap created by coal\u2019s exit.<\/p>\n

Why Transmission Funding Matters<\/p>\n

Transmission is key to the clean energy transition. Without transmission capacity in the appropriate locations renewable projects currently in the pipeline cannot secure a connection to the grid. <\/p>\n

Energy Policy WA made it clear in last week\u2019s industry online briefings attended by over 1,000 people that \u201crenewables firmed by batteries and gas are the lowest cost energy solution\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The SWIS Transmission Plan is credible and a commitment to fund and deliver the plan is urgent. Otherwise, WA risks falling short of its stated target of doubling renewable generation to 70% by 2030.<\/p>\n

At the same time, we cannot rely solely on large projects and transmission expansion, which recent experience shows is hard, expensive and faces community resistance and delays. <\/p>\n

Sustainable Energy Now\u2019s latest report,\u00a0 Western Australia Battery Backed Rooftop Solar Optimisation Study<\/a> shows that WA\u2019s rooftops hold a vast untapped resource across residential, commercial and industrial properties:<\/p>\n

Only 13% of suitable rooftop area across the SWIS is currently being used for solar;<\/p>\n

Unlocking the remaining rooftops used battery backed solar and flexible exports could deliver 16 GW of capacity, more than double the current SWIS generation;<\/p>\n

Pairing solar with behind the meter batteries and flexible exports would cut the need for more than half the high-voltage transmission projects forecast under the SWIS Demand Assessment, saving taxpayers an estimated $14.5 billion.<\/p>\n

Battery-backed rooftop solar is not only faster and cheaper to deploy, it is also the most democratic solution: every home, apartment, school, and business can be part of the transition. Federal analysis shows households with rooftop solar plus a battery can save an average of $2,252 a year on bills.<\/p>\n

How Government Can Help<\/p>\n

To ensure WA\u2019s transition stays on track, policy must advance on two fronts:<\/p>\n

Fund and fast-track the SWIS Transmission Plan \u2013 unlock renewable zones and provide certainty for investors.<\/p>\n

Scale up battery backed rooftop solar \u2013 expand access to renters, strata, and low-income households; incentivise commercial and industrial uptake; and modernise grid connection rules for batteries.<\/p>\n

New transmission and battery-backed solar are complementary. One without the other risks slowing WA\u2019s progress towards being a clean energy powerhouse and increases reliance on gas. Together, they provide a proven, scalable pathway to cheaper bills, stronger grids, and faster emissions reductions.<\/p>\n

WA\u2019s clean energy future does not need to wait for large projects alone \u2013 it can start today in our homes, businesses, and communities using a resource right above our heads.<\/p>\n

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