The Goldfields
Sitting on the eastern edge of the South West Interconnected System, the Goldfields is rapidly becoming an international hub for the resources that underpin the technologies at the heart of the global clean energy transition. To play this new role, the Goldfields will need upgraded electricity infrastructure and secure and reliable local energy.
That’s why the State Government is investigating the Goldfields Regional Network (GRN) concept – a new common use transmission network that would connect world class renewable resources in the Goldfields to industrial centres and local communities. And it’s why the Government is investing $150 million toward the installation of a locally manufactured Vanadium Battery Energy Storage System in Kalgoorlie, supporting reliable energy for communities and homes in the region.
$0.0 Billion
Gross State Product for the Goldfields – Esperance region
~0.0 GW
Of renewable energy forecast to be required within the GRN footprint to meet future demand
0 MW
Vanadium Battery to help support energy resilience and power a stronger local economy
~0,000
Population of the Goldfields – Esperance region
A global hub for the Clean Energy Transition
The Goldfields is famous for the gold that helped build our great State – and now it is helping build a global clean energy future. Today, the gold mines that give the region its name are complemented by lithium, rare earth and cobalt projects, along with critical mineral processing operations. As the world electrifies and decarbonises, these projects are helping transform the Goldfields into a global critical minerals hub.
By supplying the high-grade nickel and lithium essential for electric vehicle batteries, the rare earths required for high-efficiency wind turbines, and the copper required in almost every element of the energy transition, the Goldfields is becoming one of the engine rooms driving global decarbonisation.
This international role means local benefits for Western Australians – future-proofed jobs, stronger regional economies, and cementing the region’s already enduring role in our State’s story.
Powering growth in the Goldfields
Industry in the Goldfields needs enough low emissions power to meet growing demand. The GRN would deliver new common use transmission links to connect the Goldfields' strong wind and solar resources to its growing industrial centres.
It would give the region’s mining, mineral processing and heavy manufacturing operations access to low emissions energy, supporting emissions reduction and industrial growth.
A secure energy future for the Goldfields
To make the Goldfields' energy supply stronger and more reliable, the State Government has committed $150 million toward installing Australia’s largest vanadium battery. Located in Kalgoorlie, this 10-hour storage system will serve as a massive backup generator for the whole region.
By capturing excess solar and wind power during the day, it ensures that even during extreme weather, local homes and businesses will have a secure low emissions power supply.
