The Western Australian Government has secured additional power supply for the Goldfields region by sourcing back-up generation from TransAlta from BHP Nickel West’s temporarily suspended operations.
The State Government said the announcement follows the conclusion of months of negotiations with energy producers in the Goldfields and represents a significant additional investment in the security of the region’s electricity system.
The additional generation is also expected to help bridge the gap between now and when the Western Australian Government secures a commitment for more generation, expected to be available from 2026.
The State Government said the arrangement with TransAlta follows significant improvement in operations and protocols for the 220kV line servicing Kalgoorlie and the West Kalgoorlie Power Station, including:
- Sending additional maintenance staff and hiring a local contractor so there is immediate support if there is a disruption to the city’s power supply
- Modernising the control system and communications capability at West Kalgoorlie Power Station, including installing a Starlink satellite communication system
- Upgrading the power station’s battery charging and black start capability
- Undertaking additional aerial inspections of the 220kV line
- Improving network operational and dispatch protocols in the event of an outage
- Updating settings to improve the network’s stability in the event it must be islanded
The actions build on a range of investments made by Western Power since 2021, with nearly $130 million invested in local network infrastructure and technology, including new static synchronous compensators, transformers and reactors at West Kalgoorlie Power Station and additional transformers at the West Kalgoorlie and Black Flag substations.
To secure the Goldfields’ long-term power reliability, the State Government said it has also commenced early discussions with governments, industry and Traditional Owners on a proposed Goldfields Regional Network.
That network could provide for common-user infrastructure in the region that will allow households and industry access to secure sources of renewable energy.
Western Australian Energy Minister, Reece Whitby, said the announcement is a big win for the Goldfields.
“I would like to thank BHP for making surplus power from Nickel West available while its operations are temporarily suspended.”
Mr Whitby said he wants all Western Australians to have access to reliable energy.
“This arrangement with TransAlta is an effective way of providing significantly more security to Kalgoorlie families as we continue to seek additional, permanent back-up generation for the Goldfields.
“The Western Australian Government is taking reliability for Kalgoorlie seriously – dedicating serious resources across multiple agencies to make effective and lasting improvements now and into the future.”
Kalgoorlie MLA, Ali Kent, thanked the Goldfields community for its patience.
“There are households and businesses throughout the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder who are genuinely frustrated with power reliability, and it’s a frustration I often share with the Premier and the Energy Minister.
“That’s why the State Government has been working with industry throughout this year to procure interim generation while Western Power tenders for long-term back-up generation in the region,” Ms Kent said.
“Today, we can celebrate a win that follows my strong advocacy on behalf of the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s residents and businesses.”
TransAlta Australia’s Managing Director, Robert Millard, said with BHP Nickel West’s operations temporarily suspended, the company is pleased to redirect its Southern Cross Energy Network resources to provide reliable back-up generation to Kalgoorlie and the wider Goldfields.
“TransAlta is proud to be part of this collaborative solution with BHP Nickel West and Western Power to bring energy security to the Goldfields community.”
