Daily WA Electrical & Tech News Update – April 24, 2026
May 4, 2026
Daily WA Electrical & Tech News Update – April 26, 2026
May 4, 2026
Top WA Electrical and Tech News for April 25, 2026
As we head into the final days of April 2026, Western Australia’s energy sector is focused on major regulatory changes for rooftop solar and batteries, alongside impressive gains in renewable penetration and grid-scale storage. These stories highlight the state’s rapid progress toward a cleaner, more flexible power system.
New Solar and Battery Rules Start 1 May 2026
Western Power and Energy Policy WA are implementing updated connection requirements for the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) that will affect all new and upgraded residential solar and battery installations. Homeowners are being urged to understand the changes before next week’s deadline.
- New systems can install combined inverter capacity up to 30 kVA on standard connections.
- Systems must support Emergency Solar Management (remote disconnect/reconnect by the retailer) or accept a fixed 1.5 kW export limit.
- Installations completed and commissioned before 1 May 2026 are grandfathered under the current rules.
WA Grid Hits Record 91% Renewables Thanks to Batteries
South West WA’s isolated grid achieved a remarkable 91% renewable share at peak in December 2025, driven by a surge in battery storage that has also delivered lower wholesale prices and reduced emissions.
- Reached 91% renewables at midday on 20 December 2025 with average quarterly renewable share climbing to 52%.
- 1,225 MW of new grid-scale battery storage commissioned since October 2024.
- Wholesale power prices fell 13% while carbon emissions dropped 15% as coal and gas generation declined.
Collie Battery Energy Storage System Now Fully Operational
The landmark 500 MW / 2,000 MWh Collie BESS has been successfully commissioned, dramatically expanding Synergy’s storage fleet and tipping the balance beyond remaining coal capacity in Western Australia.
- Boosts Synergy’s total battery storage to more than 825 MW and nearly 3,500 MWh.
- Now exceeds the 740 MW of coal-fired capacity remaining at Muja and Collie power stations.
- Engineering support from GHD ensured safe, on-schedule delivery of this key transition project.
Wind Boom Continues with New PPAs Supporting Renewable Targets
Government-owned Synergy and the Water Corporation have signed power purchase agreements that will unlock over 1 GW of new wind generation capacity, reinforcing WA’s clean energy ambitions ahead of coal closures by 2030.
- Landmark deals enable construction of more than 1 GW of additional renewable generation.
- Critical step toward replacing publicly-owned coal-fired power stations.
- Calls continue for accelerated grid investment to fully capture the “Renewable Superpower” opportunity.
Western Australia continues to demonstrate strong leadership in managing an isolated grid with high renewable penetration. With smart policy updates, record battery deployments, and growing wind capacity, the state is building a more affordable, reliable and sustainable energy future for homes and businesses alike. The next few years look set to deliver even greater innovation and cleaner power across the West.
