Project information - stage 2

Stage 2 - Northern Section

Project snapshot:

  • The key drivers for network reinforcement for Stage 2 relate to the need to meet the electricity demands of existing and prospective customers, particularly:
    • Load growth in the Geraldton region from existing customers,
    • Load growth from major new customers including the proposed new port and industrial estate developments at Oakajee, expansion of the Geraldton Port and possible new iron ore mines north east of Geraldton seeking connection;
    • Potential new generators seeking connection to the grid.
  • A number of options to meet future requirements have opened up and Western Power is conducting a detailed planning assessment in consultation with key regional and industry stakeholders to determine the best method and timing to meet future requirements. In the coming months, a community engagement process will commence to seek their input into this process.
  • The size of these prospective new loads in the Geraldton area suggests a 132kV reinforcement option may be sufficient.  However, substantial new wind (and other) generation projects seeking to connect to the network along the coastal region near Geraldton and new iron ore mines north east of Geraldton seeking connection may underpin a 330kV solution.
  • In December 2009, Western Power applied for Infrastructure Australia funding from the Australian Government to build Stage 2. Infrastructure Australia was supportive of MWEP Stage 2 noting the project was of key national significance. Infrastructure Australia has indicated that they will progress with public engagement about the proposal soon. Once we are aware of the process, Western Power will provide an update.

Note: Whilst Regulatory Approvals have been sought and received for Stage 1 of the project, this process is still to come for MWEP Stage 2 (Northern Section).

Community & Stakeholder Workshops

Western Power would like to thank all the attendees of the Mid West Energy Project community and industry workshops held between 19 – 23 September 2011 in Geraldton, Mingenew, Three Springs, Eneabba and Perth.

The opportunity for these workshops arose as a number of new options opened up for the future transmission connection (which was previously known as Eneabba – Moonyoonooka), and Western Power is now looking at new ideas and options for the ultimate connection through to the Geraldton area.

Each session was well attended, with 14 attending the Geraldton community session; 20 attending the Mingenew session; 11 attending the Three Springs session; 14 attending the Eneabba session; and 31 attending the Perth industry session.

Below you can find a summary of the notes and feedback taken from the question & answer and workshop sections, including information regarding our next steps in this project, and PDF copies of both the community and industry engagement workshop presentations.