The Western Australian government has launched its new Energy Transformation Strategy, which is to provide a pathway for the state’s response to the changing energy sector.
The electricity sector is experiencing a major transformation because of the rapid uptake of rooftop solar panels and battery storage systems, and increasing levels of large-scale renewable generators, such as wind and solar farms.
To maximise the environmental benefits and minimise the costs of this transition, the McGowan Government will develop a Whole of System Plan which will detail how the more co-ordinated power system of the future may look.
“Technological change in the energy sector is happening at a rapid pace worldwide,” state energy minister Bill Johnston said.
“In Western Australia, we’re blessed with world-class solar and wind resources, abundant gas supply, a wealth of battery metals, and a highly skilled workforce.”
The Whole of System Plan will be complemented by a Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Roadmap, which will guide the integration of onsite generation (solar panels), battery storage and future technologies such as electric vehicles.
The DER Roadmap will be produced by the end of 2019 and the first Whole of System Plan in mid-2020.
These initiatives will be developed alongside changes to modernise the Wholesale Electricity Market to enhance power system security and improvements to enable new, largely renewable generators to access Western Power’s network.
“We have a genuine opportunity to lead the way in establishing a cleaner, brighter and more resilient energy supply for decades to come,” said Johnston.
“It’s clear that the generation mix will continue to change, so it’s important we have a whole of system approach to plan for the future.”