Project information

Stage 1 - Southern Section

Project snapshot:

  • Western Power’s proposal consists of a new double circuit 330 kV transmission line between Pinjar and the future Eneabba terminal substation location; an existing Neerabup - Pinjar 330 kV line conversion; a new 330/132 kV terminal at Three Springs; and, a new double circuit 330kV line between Eneabba and Three Springs terminal.  To connect to this new infrastructure, Karara Mining are building a new double circuit 330kV line between Three Springs and Koolanooka and then a single circuit 330 kV line to the Karara mine site.
  • A number of mining projects are actively being pursued in the Mid West region that will have significant impacts on total electricity demand. In particular, Karara Mining Limited (KML) is developing a mine around 100km east of Three Springs. KML is currently constructing a double circuit 330kV transmission line between Eneabba and its Karara mine site, made in conjunction with the State Government’s funding commitment for the Mid West Energy Project (southern section). Western Power is also in advanced discussions with Asia Iron’s Extension Hill mine. Asia Iron is seeking connection at Three Springs once MWEP (southern section) is complete.
  • The additional transmission capacity provided by MWEP (southern section) will overcome current network constraints and allow the proposed connection of future mining and other loads at Three Springs, and facilitate the connection of generation in the Mid West.
  • The MWEP (southern section) transmission augmentation provides a broad economic benefit to the state of Western Australia and net market benefits to those who consume, produce or transport electricity in the SWIS.
  • Current plans are that the double circuit section of the line will initially be operated with one circuit at 132kV and the other at 330kV. When additional capacity is required to meet Mid West mining loads or additional generation, the line can be operated with both circuits at 330kV for a relatively modest additional cost. Other than at the substations along the route, there will be no changes to the new line as a result of this.
  • The alignment of the southern section minimizes the environmental and social impacts by maximizing the power transferred along the corridor, making efficient use of the transmission line corridor which has been secured  for this project.
  • Community engagement has been extensive and continues. Environmental approvals have been sought.
  • The target completion date for this project is February 2014.

Stage 2 - Northern Section

  • 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 and identified the next step is developing a business case for the project. 

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).