Kate Ryan

A report by WA’s independent energy market operator has highlighted the need for new investment to avoid a predicted shortfall in the sector's capacity in 2025.

Energy storage, including pumped hydro, has become a critical ingredient in WA’s energy transition.

Almost a quarter of WA’s gas needs could be unmet in 10 years, the market operator has warned, while a smaller shortage looms as soon as 2023.

The state government has deferred the closure of one of its coal-fired power stations after a report forecast a big shortfall in energy supply within three years.

The Economic Regulation Authority has told the state’s domestic gas inquiry it would be open to a role in the administration of a domestic gas policy but would need a clear mandate to be involved.

Western Australia faces gas shortage over the next decade unless major new supplies are developed, with shortages more extreme from 2031 after the government shuts its coal-fired power stations.

The Australian Energy Market Operator has substantially eased immediate forecasts of a looming shortfall in the state’s major electricity grid but warned of the need for continued investment in capacity.

The Australian Energy Market Operator went $4 million over budget in Western Australia last financial year, as it counted the cost of delivering a new wholesale electricity market.