The Cook Labor Government has announced plans to invest $150 million in a 50-megawatt vanadium battery in Kalgoorlie, aiming to enhance energy security in the Goldfields region while supporting local job creation.
If re-elected, the government intends to proceed with the Australian-first project, which is expected to generate approximately 150 jobs and reinforce the regional power system by providing 10 hours of backup electricity storage.
Western Australia is home to one of the world’s largest vanadium deposits, located south of Meekatharra, with local production anticipated by 2027, as stated in a news release.
The proposed investment aligns with broader efforts to develop the state’s vanadium industry, which has potential applications in energy storage and industrial processes.
The mineral is increasingly viewed as a key component in long-duration battery storage, particularly as jurisdictions transition away from coal-fired power generation.
The vanadium battery is expected to be operational by 2029 and will be situated near existing transmission infrastructure, with the final location to be determined in consultation with industry stakeholders.
In addition to energy storage, the government plans to work with the private sector to explore opportunities for local battery manufacturing in Kalgoorlie, aiming to create further employment opportunities.
The announcement follows ongoing efforts by the Cook Labor Government to improve energy reliability in the region, including the planned replacement of the West Kalgoorlie Power Station by 2026 and new gas backup generation from the mining sector set to be introduced in 2024.
Premier Roger Cook emphasized the significance of the initiative in strengthening the Goldfields’ energy security.
“This project will provide further backup, with 10 hours of supply able to be dispersed when needed,” he said.
“This will really help if weather events or other disruptions hit the region.”
Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent also highlighted the potential benefits for the local community.
“[The] commitment will add another layer of protection to the system, making sure there is another backup in place when the region experiences serious weather events or other disruptions,” she said.
Currently, over 85 percent of the world’s vanadium supply comes from Russia, China, South Africa, and Brazil.
Developing a domestic vanadium industry in Western Australia could create thousands of jobs in mining and processing while establishing new export opportunities.
Potential markets include the United States, Europe, South Korea, and Japan.
