Powering regional WA with solar and battery energy storage systems
In 2024, Pacific Energy completed the integration of solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS) into six Horizon Power town power supplies across Western Australia’s Mid West and Goldfields.
The program, known as the Mid West Solar Program, saw renewable generation added to the existing thermal power systems at Norseman, Cue, Sandstone, Yalgoo, Meekatharra and Wiluna. Together, the new assets include over 2MW of solar capacity and 4.3MWh of BESS, expected to offset around 2,100 tonnes of carbon emissions annually while improving fuel security for regional communities.
At Norseman, the final site commissioned under the program, a 758kW solar farm and 336kWh BESS were added to the power system. Across all six towns in 2024, the systems exported more than 1.8 million kWh of solar energy – equivalent to powering around 280 Australian homes with 100% renewable energy for the year.
By capturing excess daytime solar and storing it for use at night, the BESS installations enhance power quality and stability, reduce reliance on diesel, and deliver long-term operational and maintenance benefits.
