Power solutions provider GenusPlus Group has secured a A$270m ($167m) contract from government-owned Western Power for the Clean Energy Link – North Region project in Western Australia (WA).
The project will enhance WA's electricity network, contributing to the region's renewable energy capacity and supporting its journey to net zero by 2050.
The contract comprises the design and construction of two new 132kV and 330kV transmission lines and terminals at Regans Ford and Eneabba, the construction of an associated line within the existing northern network to enhance transmission capacity in the Wheatbelt and Mid-West regions, and the augmentation of the existing 330kV Northern and Eneabba terminals.
Construction will commence in January 2025 and is expected to be completed by mid-2027, employing a peak workforce of 140, primarily from GenusPlus' current employees.
Genus managing director David Riches stated: “Genus has worked with Western Power for many years, and is very pleased to have secured this project and to be able to continue working with Western Power on a project that is very important to Western Australia as it moves towards a clean energy future.”
The Clean Energy Link – North Region is critical to the WA region, as forecasts suggest a tenfold increase in renewable generation may be necessary to meet the future demand for low-emissions electricity.
The state government's total investment in the Clean Energy Link – North Region amounts to $655m.
An additional $503m has been provided to assess and scope potential Clean Energy Link transmission projects within other parts of the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) under the SWIS Transmission Planning Update.
This includes plans for new lines, reinforcements and upgrades in key industry areas such as Kwinana and Collie, and enhancements between Geraldton and Perth to support development at Oakajee.
Western Power CEO Sam Barbaro stated: “We look forward to working closely with Genus on this project which is key to unlocking renewable energy generation opportunities in the Mid-West, increasing the critical capacity of our northern network for the benefit of industry and the community.
“We’re continually investigating network capacity expansion and strengthening options that maximise the use of existing network infrastructure, corridors and easements and minimise impacts on the communities and the environment.”
