- Menzies to run on solar and battery storage, with back up diesel generation
- Laverton to also benefit from new, resilient power supply
- Cook Labor Government delivering cleaner, more affordable and more reliable energy
The Goldfields town of Menzies will soon have one of the cleanest power supplies in the State, with a new energy system to deliver up to 80 per cent renewable energy.
Under the plan, Menzies will be largely run on 409kW of solar generation and 2.8MWh of battery energy storage, supplying renewable energy to more than 100 residents in the community.
The new system will reduce carbon emissions by up to 500 tonnes of each year, the equivalent of taking 200 cars off the road.
Made possible thanks to a power purchase agreement with Horizon Power, Pacific Energy will design, build, and operate the system.
In addition, the community of Laverton will also benefit from a new power supply.
Pacific Energy will upgrade the town’s ageing system with 3.6MW of new diesel generation capacity, improving reliability and resilience.
Construction of both projects is expected to begin later this year, with completion targeted for mid-2027.
As stated by Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
“I’m thrilled to see that Menzies will soon run on 80 per cent renewable energy, one of the highest rates in the State.
“This is a story that we will see repeated around the State as we undergo the energy transition and move towards net zero.
“The Cook Labor Government is committed to ensuring regional communities can access cleaner, more affordable, and more reliable power for the future.”
As stated by Goldfields-Esperance Minister David Michael:
“I’m proud to be part of the Cook Labor Government’s commitment to providing more clean, renewable energy to towns across the Goldfields.
“The region is already leading the way in carbon emissions reduction with several new mines using solar and wind energy with battery storage to run up to 100 per cent of their power requirements on renewable sources.
“Domestic energy users are joining the transition as we convert more towns in the Goldfields to predominantly renewable sources, supported by battery storage.”
As stated by Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent:
“Living in the regions and reliance on energy supply can be challenging.
“I’m so grateful that the Cook Labor Government recognises this and is always on the front foot to find solutions.
“This announcement means that Menzies can continue to prosper and I look forward to seeing this important renewables project come to fruition.”
