The Western Australian Government is seeking expressions of interest (EOI) process seeking project proponents to help build transmission links in the Pilbara region.
As part of the EOI process, the government will seek proponents that can build transmission that can decarbonise industry while minimising on-Country impacts.
Related article: Plans progress on Pilbara’s first major transmission line
Successful proponents will be granted Priority Project status—meaning the project canbenefit from state government facilitation—as well as receive the state’s recommendation to negotiate with the Clean Energy Finance Corporation to access funding through the Commonwealth Government’s $3 billion Rewiring the Nation fund.
Applicants are being sought to develop projects in the following transmission corridors:
- The Burrup (Murujuga) Corridor linking the Maitland Strategic Industrial Area (SIA), with Karratha and the Burrup SIA;
- The Chichester Range Corridor connecting the Maitland SIA with a high-quality wind zone proximate to the Chichester Range;
- The Hamersley Range Corridor connecting the Boodarie SIA and Port Hedland with the eastern edge of the Hamersley Range; and
- The Great Sandy Desert Corridor connecting the Boodarie SIA and Port Hedland with proposed renewable generation projects near the Great Sandy Desert.
This builds on previously announced plans to deliver a high-capacity common-use transmission line linking renewable energy generation in the Maitland SIA with Karratha and major Pilbara industry players.
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The EOI process is a key part of the Pilbara Energy Transition Plan, which aims to accelerate decarbonisation and meet increasing energy demands by encouraging the development of common-use infrastructure in the region.
Applications close on October 25 with recommendations expected by the end of 2024.
Further information, including guidelines, application forms and details of information sessions, are available here.
