Menu

Midwest Centralised Solar Project

We’re delivering cleaner, greener  energy solutions across five towns in the Midwest and in Norseman, in the Esperance region.

Project overview

In 2021 Horizon Power successfully secured funding from the Federal Government to commence transitioning Cue, Meekatharra, Norseman, Sandstone, Wiluna and Yalgoo towards more renewable energy sources, as part of the WA Microgrids program.

The project will deliver a clean energy solution integrated into the existing power stations through installation of:

  • Centralised solar farms  
  • Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) 

A cleaner, greener future

Decarbonising electricity generation is a key part of transitioning to net-zero emissions. We're starting the process by increasing the percentage of renewable energy generated in our local power stations.

The six rural towns in this project are heavily reliant on diesel for energy generation with associated high operational costs and carbon emissions. Solar and battery installations will provide an effective alternative energy solution and begin the transition to lower emissions and cleaner, greener energy in each town.

Locally supported renewable energy

Construction, commissioning and maintenance activities in each town will be supported by local community members. Each town will benefit from the general economic activity and potential employment opportunities created by these activities.

Managing the flow of solar energy

Building the future energy systems of regional Western Australia poses a challenge to balance the flow of energy from existing diesel fuel generation and renewable sources like solar, to keep electricity stable and provide long-term economic value to communities.

This requires intensive reliability testing to ensure power supply is uninterrupted, before we energise the grid. Taking out those instantaneous energy fluctuations, or solar smoothing, is an area we continue to innovate in, but remains a fine balancing act.

By supporting our renewable energy sources with a BESS and existing diesel generation, we are able to better ensure reliability on the grid, and keep your lights on.

What does this mean for the communities?

What's happening now?

Sandstone’s new and innovative solar farm and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) was commissioned in August 2023

Following in the footsteps of Wiluna and Yalgoo, Sandstone now has a163kW solar facility, accompanied by a robust 759kWh BESS unit.

These state-of-the-art assets seamlessly integrate with Sandstone's existing power station, redefining energy generation and consumption for the better.
Read the announcement

Cue’s new 259kW solar facility and 336 kWh BESS unit became operational in November 2023

The solar farm and BESS project is providing a sustainable and efficient alternative for the towns that are currently relying on diesel generators for their energy needs.

Similar solar and battery solutions are being delivered as part of the program, with Meekatharra and Norseman expected to be delivered in early 2024.

 

Read the anouncement

The future of energy is changing

We're incorporating more renewable energy into the future energy systems of our network, across the Mid West and our remote towns.

Find out more

Horizon Power acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain images, names or voices of deceased people.