$66.3 million renewable energy technologies boost in WA recovery

July 27 2020

The Premier of Western Australia has launched WA’s Recovery Plan in conjunction with the Minister for Energy, Treasurer and the State Recovery Controller announcing a $66.3 million investment in major renewable energy technologies to support WA’s economic recovery. 

Horizon Power’s Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Unwin said the State Government’s announcement would deliver a significant program of energy infrastructure projects, with
$44.5 million being allocated to projects which are to be delivered by Horizon Power.

“Additional battery storage capacity will be added to nine of our regional towns’ networks to enable more people to install, connect and benefit from rooftop solar,” Stephanie said.

“Customers installing a 3 kilowatt solar system can expect to save approximately $1,275 per year on their power bills.”

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) will be installed in the towns of Yungngora, Broome, Marble Bar, Gascoyne Junction, Carnarvon, Exmouth, Yalgoo, Wiluna, and Menzies.  The BESS will reduce generation costs for the State Government, delivering a savings of over $300,000 per annum.

“Horizon Power has also received almost $10 million to deploy a further 50 SPS across the Kimberley, Gascoyne-Midwest, and Goldfields Esperance regions over the next two years.”

The additional deployment of SPS will deliver improved power reliability, quality and safety to some of Horizon Power’s more remote, end-of-grid customers.

SPS is a tailored off-grid solution delivering safer, more reliable and secure power, making it possible for customers to live and work in any isolated or remote town.

“Horizon Power has proven SPS to be an alternative, viable form of energy generation and is leading Australia in the deployment of SPS, delivering improved reliability and further reducing CO₂ emissions,” Stephanie said.

“Projects which benefited from funding will create immediate and longer term jobs in the regions, while also creating opportunities for regional suppliers and contractors.”

The Government’s WA Recovery Plan has been developed to help drive the State’s economic and social recovery following the devastating impacts of COVID-19.

The projects will stimulate economic activity across regional WA, while also help to reduce the Government’s and customers’ long term energy costs, provide better energy efficiency and improve the State’s energy footprint.