Energy

Recommendation 47

eyuser — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 01:33:40 +0000

Recommendation 47 eyuser Thu, 06/23/2022 - 09:33

Recommendation

47. Support the development of the state’s hydrogen industry by:

accelerating the reform of legislation, standards and policies
investigating options for stimulating domestic market demand, as a precursor to establishing export industry demand
investigating the feasibility of a hydrogen refuelling network on key freight routes across the state through the planned detailed supply chain model for renewable hydrogen
publicly reporting the Western Australian Renewable Hydrogen Roadmap’s actions on an annual basis, including timing, available funding and transition pathways such as the role of blue hydrogen
investigating the feasibility of, and prioritising large-scale hydrogen industry precincts that leverage energy, water and transport infrastructure, a skilled workforce and market proximity, including:
1. consistent with Recommendation 43a, developing energy consumption and generation projections, for use in the Whole of System Plan modelling, to determine the need for energy infrastructure to enable hydrogen precincts, such as the Mid West Transmission Line
2. coordinating activities for development readiness of precincts across environment, heritage, planning and tenure matters
3. consistent with Recommendation 40 in the Infrastructure delivery chapter, establishing a clear policy position on the role of government and the private sector in funding, financing and delivering enabling infrastructure to support the hydrogen industry (including factors such as seed funding, co-investment and cost recovery)
4. developing and implementing a staged program of hydrogen industry enabling infrastructure including publicly and privately funded upgrades or new infrastructure for energy networks, refuelling stations, water and transport infrastructure.

WA Government response

The WA Government responded to Foundation for a stronger tomorrow in February 2023. Recommendation 47 is fully supported. For further information please refer to the response document.

Vision – strategic opportunity

Approaching the technology frontier

Transitioning to net zero emissions technologies

Value-adding for strategic commodities

Strategy objectives

Support a strong, resilient and diversified economy

Enable environmental sustainability and resilience, and address climate change

Enhance cross-government coordination and planning

Suggested lead agencies

a - d. Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation

e. Energy Policy WA, Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, Development WA

Timeframe

2025

Ongoing

d, e. Yes

Download the chapter (949.22 KB)

Download full strategy (23.69 MB)

See recommendations search

Recommendation 46

eyuser — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 01:27:29 +0000

Recommendation 46 eyuser Thu, 06/23/2022 - 09:27

Recommendation

46. Ensure the legislative and regulatory framework enables energy infrastructure that aligns with broader public policy outcomes by:

reviewing and revising energy legislation, regulations, codes, guidelines and associated decision-making documents and processes (particularly relating to the New Facilities Investment Test), to include the interim emissions reduction (once defined) and net zero emissions by 2050 targets, urban infill and industry development objectives in a manner that does not unduly disadvantage first or last movers
reviewing the effectiveness of guidance and assessment for investment proposals under the current objectives of the Electricity Network Access Code 2004, as well as the expected levels of information and analysis required from proponents
consistent with Recommendation 40 in the Infrastructure delivery chapter, establishing a clear policy position on the role of government and the private sector in funding, financing and delivery of enabling infrastructure, such as transmission lines, in order to support industry growth and decarbonise the energy sector.

WA Government response

The WA Government responded to Foundation for a stronger tomorrow in February 2023. Recommendation 46 is partially supported. For further information please refer to the response document.

Vision – strategic opportunity

Transitioning to net zero emissions technologies

Strategy objectives

Support a strong, resilient and diversified economy

Enable environmental sustainability and resilience, and address climate change

Enhance cross-government coordination and planning

Enhance infrastructure delivery and develop skills for the future

Suggested lead agencies

a - b. Energy Policy WA

c. Department of Treasury, Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, Department of the Premier and Cabinet

Timeframe

a. 2024

b. 2023

c. 2025

Download the chapter (949.22 KB)

Download full strategy (23.69 MB)

See recommendations search

Recommendation 45

eyuser — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 01:23:05 +0000

Recommendation 45 eyuser Thu, 06/23/2022 - 09:23

Recommendation

Increase energy system reliability and resilience, reduce emissions and drive cost-effectiveness by accelerating a dedicated program of energy storage, microgrids, virtual power plants and standalone power systems The program should include:

providing appropriate coordination and allocating funding
identifying feasible locations across the state
investigating future energy storage options, including hydrogen, pumped hydro, batteries and other energy storage technologies.

WA Government response

The WA Government responded to Foundation for a stronger tomorrow in February 2023. Recommendation 45 is fully supported. For further information please refer to the response document.

Vision – strategic opportunity

Transitioning to net zero emissions technologies

Value-adding for strategic commodities

Strategy objectives

Enable environmental sustainability and resilience, and address climate change

Enhance cross-government coordination and planning

Suggested lead agencies

Energy Policy WA, Energy GTEs (Horizon Power, Synergy and Western Power)

Timeframe

2023

Download the chapter (949.22 KB)

Download full strategy (23.69 MB)

See recommendations search

Recommendation 44

eyuser — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 01:18:43 +0000

Recommendation 44 eyuser Thu, 06/23/2022 - 09:18

Recommendation

Provide a long-term view on energy generation, demand and network infrastructure requirements by preparing a North West Interconnected System energy futures report. The report should:

align with interim emission reduction targets (once defined) and net zero emissions by 2050 targets
test and resolve to what extent interconnection should occur in the system and the infrastructure needs to support this, along with any adjustments to access arrangements
define the role of state agencies, government trading enterprises and the private sector
support the identification of suitable sites for large-scale renewable energy generation and storage in proximity to industrial land and high energy users
inform the evaluation of key project proposals, including the Burrup Common User Transmission Line and East Pilbara Link.

WA Government response

The WA Government responded to Foundation for a stronger tomorrow in February 2023. Recommendation 44 is fully supported. For further information please refer to the response document.

Vision – strategic opportunity

Transitioning to net zero emissions technologies

Value-adding for strategic commodities

Strategy objectives

Maximise regional strengths to unlock strategic opportunities for Western Australia

Enable environmental sustainability and resilience, and address climate change

Enhance cross-government coordination and planning

Enhance infrastructure delivery and develop skills for the future

Suggested lead agencies

Energy Policy WA, Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, Development WA

Timeframe

2032

Download the chapter (949.22 KB)

Download full strategy (23.69 MB)

See recommendations search

Recommendation 43

eyuser — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 01:13:32 +0000

Recommendation 43 eyuser Thu, 06/23/2022 - 09:13

Recommendation

43. Enable transformation of the South West Interconnected System by evolving the Whole of System Plan and ensuring implementation actions are transparent, including:

updating modelling inputs, assumptions and scenarios to incorporate the following:
- achieving interim emissions reduction targets (once defined) and net zero emissions by 2050 targets through the lowest-cost mix of generation, storage, network transmission and distribution
- potential renewable energy generation locations on the network, such as the Mid West, on energy network infrastructure requirements
- electricity offtake associated with the development of new industries in line with state government industry development objectives
- potential entry of existing off-grid large users connecting to the South West Interconnected System and rates of potential electrification across commercial, industrial and residential users
- using technologies (such as energy storage) to reduce the curtailment of renewable energy generation, and the practicality and community acceptance of any curtailment assumptions
- accelerated delivery of energy storage and other Distributed Energy Resources technologies, including the impacts these have on the overall energy infrastructure investment program
- increased uptake of electric vehicles on the energy network, including increased demand for energy and energy storage opportunities from electric vehicle batteries
publishing a detailed short-term to medium-term implementation plan for the most likely scenario, which is updated periodically and identifies:
- current and planned investment
- network constraints
- opportunities for investment in programs and projects to deliver energy transformation, including the nomination of priority projects eligible for streamlined approval processes.

WA Government response

The WA Government responded to Foundation for a stronger tomorrow in February 2023. Recommendation 43 is partially supported. For further information please refer to the response document.

Vision – strategic opportunity

Transitioning to net zero emissions technologies

Value-adding for strategic commodities

Strategy objectives

Support a strong, resilient and diversified economy

Enable environmental sustainability and resilience, and address climate change

Enhance cross-government coordination and planning

Suggested lead agencies

Energy Policy WA

Timeframe

2023

Ongoing

b. Yes

Download the chapter (949.22 KB)

Download full strategy (23.69 MB)

See recommendations search

Energy

eyuser — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 01:08:34 +0000

Energy eyuser Wed, 06/22/2022 - 09:08

Around 1 in 3 households in WA have solar power systems on their roofs. In 2020 alone, more than 300 megawatts of residential solar power were added in WA, which is almost equivalent to the annual output of the state’s largest coal-fired power station.

Strategic justification

As more renewable energy resources are added to the network, it will increasingly transform from a traditional linear system to one that is further decentralised. A rapidly changing energy sector requires modified frameworks, infrastructure and regulations as the state continues to plan for a more sustainable, reliable and cost-effective energy system. Considering the speed of change in this area, the WA Government should continue to prioritise proactive transition to renewable energy solutions.

Vision - strategic opportunities

Transitioning to net zero emissions technologies

Value-adding for strategic commodities

Sector challenges and opportunities

Generating energy from zero-emission sources will reduce the dependency on fossil fuels and greatly assist the state’s transition to net zero emissions by 2050. The energy sector presents a significant opportunity to progress early achievements in emissions reduction, compared to other sectors where progress may take longer.

While advancing renewables is enabling the transition to net zero carbon emissions, it comes at a cost to large-scale infrastructure which was developed in a different era. Coal-fired power generation is becoming more challenging to operate as it needs to run at a minimum level of service to ensure stable supply. The state has already commenced the transition away from coal-fired power. Further consideration may need to be given to the retirement of remaining coal-fired power sources, particularly in light of the Glasgow Pact.

Although renewable energy provides opportunities for lower-cost generation and a less emission-intensive energy network, there are challenges with the intermittent nature of the generation, which can impact system reliability and security. Energy storage is a key requirement of reliable renewable energy supply. However, the current cost is a barrier and further advances in energy storage are emerging. While gas-fired power is used as a transition fuel in the medium term, longer-term reliance on gas will mean the state will find it harder to achieve emission reduction targets.

WA has 2 main energy systems – the South West Interconnect System (SWIS) and the North West Interconnected System (NWIS) – and many more isolated energy systems throughout the state. The SWIS is an interconnected electricity system in the south-western part of the state. Due to its isolation, the SWIS cannot receive electricity from neighbouring states, unlike the National Electricity Market for the east coast of Australia. The NWIS is in the Pilbara region and includes a number of variously owned interconnected electricity networks. There are unique challenges in the NWIS, including large distances and high associated costs of energy network connections. Despite its name, energy infrastructure ownership is often fragmented, and operations lack coordination, with the primary energy users – the minerals, oil and gas industries – largely seeking self-sufficient power supply.

Renewable hydrogen is emerging as an energy option that can provide energy storage and stabilise energy grids, decarbonise industries and accelerate the green energy economy.

Technological change and emissions reduction policy are having (and will continue to have) a significant impact on WA’s energy system and regulation. Energy Policy WA is progressively amending regulatory instruments in line with changes to the external environment. However, regulation and legislation changes can be resource intensive and lengthy. Ensuring regulation keeps pace with energy transformation and government policy is a continuing challenge.