The Western Australian Government has announced a new push to advance local manufacturing, opening Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the delivery of a WA-made vanadium battery for Kalgoorlie.
In a news release, officials said the project aims to create regional jobs, strengthen power reliability and support the development of a new energy storage industry in the State.
Backed by $150 million in government funding, the Vanadium Battery Energy Storage System (VBESS) is planned to be the largest of its kind in Australia.
The Western Australian Government said the initiative forms part of its Made in WA plan to diversify the economy, boost renewable energy capability and increase locally manufactured products.
According to the State Government, the first stage of the EOI process, running until 30 January 2026, seeks to identify existing market capabilities and is not part of a procurement phase.
Local businesses are encouraged to participate, with the government highlighting its intention to work with industry to determine achievable local content outcomes.
Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the project will contribute to regional energy resilience and long-term storage capacity.
“This EOI kicks off a major project that will boost power reliability in the Goldfields and support our clean energy transition,” she said. “We want to partner with industry to deliver local content, great jobs, and real value for WA.”
The proposed battery will be a 50-megawatt/500-megawatt-hour system built using locally sourced and processed vanadium, with the capability to discharge for up to 10 hours.
The government said vanadium flow batteries are fire-resistant, recyclable and well-suited to Western Australia’s climate.
Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent welcomed the milestone, saying it reinforces the region’s role in emerging technologies.
“I’m thrilled to see this step in the development of a locally manufactured Vanadium Battery Energy Storage System right here in Kalgoorlie-Boulder,” she said.
“The vanadium project is a gamechanger for the Goldfields’ energy future and it positions Kalgoorlie-Boulder at the forefront of innovation.”
Stage Two of the EOI process is expected in early to mid-2026 and will assess detailed business cases before selecting a preferred proponent to deliver the project.
More information is available through Energy Policy WA.
