Western Australia Government commits to 75% renewable energy generation by 2030

Last week, the Western Australian Government announced a bold target of 75% renewable energy generation by the 2030/31 financial year. This came as part of the state government’s Plan for Affordable Energy and will involve the uptake of electricity across the Southwest Interconnected System (SWIS), the main grid serving Perth and the south west. Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson called the target a "statement of intent" that the future of the state’s electricity system is renewable. 

The announcement came a week after Perth hosted Global Citizen NOW, a summit CAFA was present at to share about the work of associations for climate in Australia. The summit happening on the West Coast already signalled West Australia’s commitment to the transition, which is now evident from the 75% renewable energy announcement. It also answers calls from an alliance of industry, investors, unions and advocacy bodies for a strong renewable energy target, which the government acknowledged directly. For associations and industry bodies, this is a clear example of what collective action and advocacy can achieve. The challenge will remain in the mobilisation and implementation of this strong target. 

The state of energy in WA 

For Western Australia, this means more of the state’s energy can be made ‘at home’ from its own sun and wind, as coal generation begins to slow down. Renewables currently make up around 40% of the state’s energy mix, up from 14% in 2017, so the target nearly doubles the current supply in about five years. If the target was met, solar, wind and batteries would supply roughly three quarters of the main grid’s electricity. 

 The government expects the plan to put downward pressure on electricity prices, bringing new investment and jobs to local areas. This strategy will rely on the $150 million Made in WA Energy Affordability Investment Program, delivering low-interest loans for WA manufacturers to invest in solar and battery systems.

Interestingly, the plan came with modelled data showing that the cost of inaction could lead to an 89% rise in industrial electricity costs by 2032. And as more vehicles, machinery and industry switch to electricity, home-grown power helps reduce WA’s exposure to fuel shocks. 

This year’s fuel crisis showed how exposed WA is to these shocks. At the same time, climate hazards are becoming more common, with rising fire risks and more frequent and severe heatwaves. The target from the Cook Labor government is a clear signal that climate action is a key priority against this backdrop. 

The role of industry pressure

From 18 to 20 October, Perth hosted Global Citizen NOW, bringing together leaders from government, business, First Nations communities and civil society ahead of the COP31 climate talks. The focus was clean energy access, jobs and investment across the Indo-Pacific, and organisers reported commitments to bring clean energy to 20 million people.  

During the summit, the OECD’s Mathias Cormann urged governments to turn climate targets into investable plans. Coming just before the target, it felt like a sign that WA is getting fully behind the transition. 

The government also said the target responds to calls from an alliance of industry, investor and advocacy bodies. The Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA, commissioned modelling showing 75% renewables by 2030 could be reached for only marginally more than no action, with huge long term benefits. Environment groups, meanwhile, made the case together for a target built around secure, well-paid jobs. This is a positive showcase of the effects of mobilising industry leaders and investors to advocate for change. 

Mobilisation and ‘investable plans’ 

As the implementation of the plan comes into effect, WA will need strong investment in communities, listening to their concerns, involving them in decisions and being open about how risks will be managed and benefits shared. 

Unions WA Secretary Rikki Hendon said that this target is strongly supported, as it can provide a “just” energy transition with secure and well-paid jobs in renewables, including for workers whose jobs are currently tied to coal and gas. In Collie, a coal producing town in WA, a Just Transition Working Group of government and community representatives co-designed the plan to support workers and the local economy as coal production ends. 

This is where associations can make a key difference. They speak for whole industries and professions through their members. Having helped secure the target, associations now have a role in implementation. That can mean helping members access programs like the Made in WA loans, bringing partners and communities together, setting standards and building skills. 

Call to action 

Membership bodies should continuously advocate for best practices, decarbonisation and resilience to future-proof their sectors, which is where CAFA can provide support. Climate Action for Associations (CAFA) is the resource and network dedicated to net zero for the membership sector. 

We recently celebrated 1 year of CAFA Australia and have been delighted to work with many new members. By joining our free membership, you can access the frameworks and support to guide members and collaborate with others to help lead by example. Join us today.