The Western Australian Government has reported a new record for renewable energy generation on the South West Interconnected System (SWIS), citing November figures that show more than half of the State’s electricity demand was met by renewable sources.
According to the Government, renewable energy contributed 55.78 per cent of power on the SWIS during November, surpassing the previous record of 49 per cent set in the same month last year.
Officials said the contribution helped drive down energy prices, with average prices for major customers dropping by almost 30 per cent compared to October.
Attribution from the Western Australian Government stated that the result reflects ongoing efforts to increase renewable capacity, including the Cook Government’s plan to retire State-owned coal assets by 2030 and invest in large-scale renewable projects.
The Government said its Clean Energy Link program, which focuses on expanding and upgrading the SWIS transmission network, is intended to support further integration of renewable generation.
The media release also highlighted the Residential Battery Scheme as a key element of the transition, offering rebates and no-interest loans for households installing solar panels and batteries.
The Government said the program is expected to assist up to 100,000 households, allowing residents to store and use more of their own solar energy and reduce electricity costs.
Premier Roger Cook said the latest figures demonstrate the State’s momentum in the clean energy transition.
“Becoming a renewable energy powerhouse underpins our plans to diversify our economy, ensuring it continues to be the strongest in the nation,” he said.
He added that the Government is “delivering record investment in our transmission infrastructure to connect households and businesses to cheaper renewable energy.”
Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the November outcome underscores the benefits of continued investment in renewable generation and supporting infrastructure.
“Renewable energy is the cheapest form of generation, and renewables and storage firmed by gas when needed is the least cost energy mix for households and businesses,” she said.
Sanderson said the data reflects what is possible as more renewable projects connect to the grid.
“The latest renewable generation figures and average energy price for November show what can be achieved as more renewable energy generation enters our power grid,” she said, adding that upgrades to transmission infrastructure “will continue to put downward pressure on prices.”
