- Additional back-up generation secured for Kalgoorlie-Boulder from TransAlta
- Announcement follows months of negotiations between the State Government and energy producers in the Goldfields
- Comes as Western Power continues procurement for up to 150 megawatts of new back-up generation and tightens back-up protocols
The Cook Labor Government has secured additional reliable electricity for the Goldfields by sourcing back-up generation for the city from TransAlta arising from BHP Nickel West's temporarily suspended operations.
This announcement follows the successful conclusion of months of negotiations between the State Government and energy producers in the Goldfields and represents a significant additional investment in the security of the region's electricity system.
The additional generation will also help bridge the gap between now and when the Cook Government secures a commitment for more generation that is expected to be available from as early as 2026.
The arrangement with TransAlta follows significant improvement in operations and protocols for the 220-kilovolt line servicing Kalgoorlie and the West Kalgoorlie Power Station, including:
- sending additional maintenance staff and hiring a local contractor so there is immediate support if there is a disruption to the city's power supply;
- modernising the control system and communications capability at West Kalgoorlie Power Station, including installing a Starlink satellite communication system;
- upgrading the power station's battery charging and black start capability;
- undertaking additional aerial inspections of the 220kV line;
- improving network operational and dispatch protocols in the event of an outage; and
- updating settings to improve the network's stability in the event it must be islanded.
Those actions build on a range of investments made by Western Power since 2021, with nearly $130 million invested in local network infrastructure and technology, including new static synchronous compensators , transformers, reactors at West Kalgoorlie Power Station, and additional transformers at the West Kalgoorlie and Black Flag substations.
To secure the Goldfields' long-term power reliability, the State Government has this month also commenced early discussions with governments, industry, and Traditional Owners on a proposed Goldfields Regional Network.
That network could provide for common-user infrastructure in the region that will allow households and industry access to secure sources of renewable energy.
As stated by Energy Minister Reece Whitby:
"Today's announcement is a big win for the Goldfields, and I would like to thank BHP for making surplus power from Nickel West available while its operations are temporarily suspended.
"I want all Western Australians to have access to reliable energy.
"This arrangement with TransAlta is an effective way of providing significantly more security to Kalgoorlie families as we continue to seek additional, permanent back-up generation for the Goldfields.
"The Cook Government is taking reliability for Kalgoorlie seriously - dedicating serious resources across multiple agencies to make effective and lasting improvements now and into the future."
As stated by Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent:
"I want to thank the Goldfields community for its patience.
"There are households and businesses throughout the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder who are genuinely frustrated with power reliability, and it's a frustration I often share with the Premier and the Energy Minister.
"That's why the State Government has been working with industry throughout this year to procure interim generation while Western Power tenders for long-term back-up generation in the region.
"I'm proud to be part of a State Government that can deliver for the people of Kalgoorlie rather than just make empty promises.
"Today, we can celebrate a win that follows my strong advocacy on behalf of the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder's residents and businesses.
"It's a hard job managing our State's energy systems, but it's a job that must be done right.
"Our Government is committed to getting on with the job, and this announcement is more than an empty promise - it's real, tangible and immediate action."
As stated by TransAlta Australia managing director Robert Millard:
"With BHP Nickel West's operations temporarily suspended, TransAlta is pleased to redirect its Southern Cross Energy Network resources to provide reliable back-up generation to Kalgoorlie and the wider Goldfields.
"TransAlta is proud to be part of this collaborative solution with BHP Nickel West and Western Power to bring energy security to the Goldfields community."
