Perth, WA – Western Australia’s energy landscape is set to undergo a significant transformation following the federal government’s announcement on May 2, 2026, approving 10 new renewable energy and battery projects under the Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS). This monumental investment, valued at approximately $5 billion, will deliver an additional 1.886 gigawatts (GW) of new wind and solar generation and 3.683 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of standalone battery storage to the state’s Wholesale Electricity Market (WEM) by 2030.
The announcement, made by the Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, marks a critical step towards Western Australia’s ambitious target of achieving a coal-free grid by 2030. The projects, spanning the Wheatbelt, Mid-West, Peel, and South West regions, are projected to generate enough electricity to power over one million Western Australian households and support peak demand for more than 400,000 homes for up to four hours.
Boosting Grid Reliability and Decarbonisation
This latest round of CIS tenders (Tenders 5 and 6) is designed to ensure reliable power supply as older, emissions-intensive generators retire and electricity demand continues to grow across the state. The substantial injection of battery storage capacity is particularly crucial for firming up intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar, allowing excess daytime generation to be stored and dispatched during evening peaks.
“These developments follow earlier rounds of the Capacity Investment Scheme, which has now supported 65 projects nationally, totalling 13 GW of renewable generation and 21.6 GWh of dispatchable storage.”
This strategic expansion is expected to create over 7,000 jobs during the construction phase and support more than 500 ongoing operations and maintenance roles annually over the lifetime of the projects. Developers have also committed to local community benefits, including leveraging Australian steel and providing First Nations training and employment opportunities.
Key Projects and Capacities
The 10 approved projects represent a diverse portfolio of generation and storage technologies. Below is a breakdown of the key projects and their capacities:
| Project Name | Developer | Capacity (MW/MWh) | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yathroo Wind Farm | Neoen Australia | 420 MW | Yathroo |
| Narrogin Wind Farm | Neoen Australia | 168 MW | Minigin |
| Kondinin Wind Farm | Shell Energy & Foresight | 130 MW | Kondinin |
| Tathra Wind Farm | SynergyRED | 240 MW | Eneabba |
| Waddi Wind Farm | Tilt Renewables | 108 MW | Dandaragan |
| Parron Maam Marang Wind Farm | Zephyr Energy (Atmos Renewables) | 470 MW | Hill River |
| Killawarra Hybrid Project | Trina Solar | 350 MW / 2,100 MWh | Kadathinni |
| Collie Battery & Solar Hybrid Project | Enpowered & Plenary Group | 200 MW / 1,518 MWh | Palmer |
| Yathroo Battery | Neoen Australia | 200 MW / 1,600 MWh | Mimegarra |
| Waroona Renewable Energy Project – Stage 1 | Frontier Energy | 82 MW / 565 MWh | Wagerup |
These projects highlight a strong commitment from both federal and state governments, with the WA Cook Labor Government providing additional backing through power purchase agreements to help ensure the proposals reached viability.
The Broader Capacity Investment Scheme Context
The Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) is a federal initiative designed to unlock new clean energy investment by providing revenue support for new dispatchable capacity, including batteries and pumped hydro, and firming up renewable generation projects. The scheme targets 40 GW of new renewable generation and dispatchable capacity by 2026-27 to support Australia’s national target of 82% renewable electricity by 2030.
CIS Tenders 7 and 8 are currently underway, seeking a total of 9 GW of generation capacity alongside four-hour energy storage for a 4 GW portion, with results anticipated around mid-year. This ongoing commitment underscores the federal government’s strategy to accelerate Australia’s energy transition.
Impact on Western Australia’s Energy Future
The approval of these projects represents a significant leap forward for Western Australia’s energy independence and its journey towards a decarbonised grid. By integrating large-scale battery storage, the state can better manage grid fluctuations, reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, and ultimately deliver more stable and potentially How to Cut Your Electricity Bill This Winter in Australia 2026: Strategies After Federal Rebates End for consumers. The investment also positions WA as a leader in clean energy infrastructure, attracting further investment and fostering local expertise.
While this announcement focuses on grid-scale solutions, the broader shift towards battery technology also impacts residential energy choices. Homeowners considering their own solar and battery installations should also be aware of evolving federal and state incentives, as well as the importance of choosing a reputable installer. How to Choose a Solar Installer in Australia 2026: Accreditation, Warranties & Avoiding Scams and Best Solar Panel & Home Battery Financing Options in Australia 2026: Loans, PPAs & Green Mortgages Explained are valuable resources for those looking to participate in Australia’s energy transition at a household level.
The progress in Western Australia serves as a strong indicator of Australia’s broader commitment to a renewable energy future, with significant investment in battery storage underpinning grid stability and reliability as the nation moves away from traditional power sources.