State Government release SWIS Demand Assessment

22 May 2023

As industry and government move towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, demand for renewable energy supplied through WA's main electricity network, the South West Interconnected System (SWIS), is expected to increase significantly.

Western Power provided modelling and forecasting to identify the extent of possible transmission network augmentation required to meet projected industry demand for energy from the SWIS and have provided the following update.

9 May 2023

State Government release South West Interconnected System Demand Assessment

Western Power recognises that the transition to a cleaner energy future for industry requires significant transmission investment. We are well prepared for the future transmission expansion that is forecast in the coming years to meet the need from industrial customers as they electrify their processes as part of decarbonisation efforts.

The release of SWIS Demand Assessment (SWISDA) today by the State Government affirms the strategic and planning work Western Power is undertaking as it continues to transform the network to deliver a cleaner energy future for the community.

SWISDA sets the groundwork for the State Government to progress consultation and collaboration with existing and new industrial users to inform future network investment and provides an understanding of industry changing demand for low-emissions electricity supply on the SWIS.

Western Power provided modelling and forecasting as a member of the SWISDA taskforce to identify the extent of possible transmission network augmentation required to meet projected industry demand for energy from the SWIS.

Modelling showed an additional 7.2GW of new industry electricity demand is expected to occur in the SWIS by 2042, which could require up to 51.1 GW of new generation and storage, on top of the existing 5.9GW of generation capacity in the SWIS.

In preparation for transmission growth, Western Power has already identified early work and the additional $126M provided in the State Budget will support planning works in the highest anticipated growth areas, being the northern, central and eastern corridors of the SWIS. Further information on this work can be found here.

The funding will support planning and purchase of long-lead items for initial upgrades in the north network, which is expected to see a boom in new energy projects, as well as upgrades in the east network.

SWISDA supports Western Power’s preparation for transmission network expansion to enable industrial decarbonisation, service renewable generation and support local economic growth across the State as WA moves towards achieving net zero.