WA’s Wind and Solar $584 Million Power Line Push:

Racing the Clock to a Renewable Future

Western Australia is about to plug in one of its biggest renewable energy upgrades yet — and it’s not solar panels or wind turbines stealing the spotlight. This time, it’s the humble power lines.

The state government has signed off on the Clean Energy Link North, a $584 million transmission project stretching from Malaga to Three Springs — about 300 kilometres north of Perth. Due for completion in 2027, it’s designed to carry wind and solar power from WA’s resource-rich Mid West straight into the grid.

Wind and solar farms can’t do much without the wires to bring that energy to homes and businesses. Western Power CEO Sam Barbaro calls it “the largest and most important project Western Power  has ever done”, transporting renewable energy generated by wind and solar in WA’s mid-west to the community where it needs it

Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson says the goal is to double renewables on the grid by 2030 while phasing out coal entirely. Gas will still play a minor role, but this project is the backbone of the state’s clean energy ambitions.

The urgency — and the controversy

The state opposition says the government is jumping the gun by committing to construction before releasing its updated Whole of System Plan, the official roadmap for where transmission lines should go. Shadow Energy Minister Steve Thomas warns that rushing now could cause higher costs, project delays, and threaten the 2030 coal exit.

“They’re years behind,” he says. “Without a proper plan in place… how on earth can you start?”

The risk?

If transmission doesn’t keep pace, renewable developers may stall or face hefty connection costs — expenses that could ultimately land on consumers’ power bills.

This isn’t just a $584 million bet on infrastructure — it’s a race against time. If WA can lay down these transmission “highways” in time, it could supercharge its renewable energy sector and attract billions in clean energy investment. If it stumbles, the state could face an energy crunch right as it’s trying to ditch coal.

For now, the bulldozers are set to roll before the map is fully drawn. Do you think that’s bold leadership or a risk that’s been taken at the expense of WA homes relying on grid power if it doesn’t go according to plan? 

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