Western Australia launches A$1.4bn clean‑energy fund to expand grid as coal plants close

The Western Australian government announced a A$1.4 billion clean‑energy fund to finance transmission and network projects ahead of the scheduled retirement of state‑owned coal‑fired power stations by 2030, including the 340 MW Collie plant in 2027 and the 454 MW Muja D plant in 2029.

The fund will back the Clean Energy Link (CEL) – East and North projects, which together aim to deliver about 3 GW of renewable power to roughly one million households and create around 800 construction jobs. Energy Minister Amber‑Jade Sanderson said the expansion will provide “hundreds of local jobs” and enable the state to tap its abundant solar and wind resources.

Both CEL projects are designated priority under the State Development Act 2025 to streamline approvals. An additional A$7 million will be allocated in the 2026‑27 budget to support Horizon Power’s regional renewable‑energy transition in areas such as the West Kimberley and Pilbara.