The Cook Government has accelerated Western Australia's transition toward a renewable future, securing major contracts to replace the state's ageing coal fleet with large-scale wind energy.
Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson confirmed that the government has directed Synergy and the Water Corporation to finalise long-term power purchase agreements with three emerging wind farms in the Mid West and Wheatbelt regions.
The Parron Maam Marang, Kondinin, and Marri projects are slated to begin operations between 2028 and 2029, collectively generating one gigawatt of power—the equivalent capacity of the state's entire coal-fired fleet, including the privately owned Bluewaters station.
While the Parron and Kondinin sites are expected to power over 500,000 homes annually, the Marri wind farm will be dedicated to supporting the state’s desalination plants.
The procurement strategy provides the "certainty" required for proponents to commence construction, a move Sanderson describes as a "huge step" toward becoming a renewable powerhouse.
However, the transition remains politically charged; Opposition energy spokesman Steve Thomas argued the government is "five to 10 years behind" its own renewable targets.
To ensure grid stability as the Muja and Collie power stations face closure by 2030, the government is also exploring a business case for a 300-megawatt gas-fired station.
Sanderson acknowledged that gas remains a critical "firming fuel" to provide security when the wind isn't blowing, though she maintained that shifting to wind and battery storage will ultimately place downward pressure on long-term energy prices for West Australians.