Two years after the Albanese government announced a $3 billion funding deal for Western Australia's energy transition, not a single dollar has been allocated to specific projects, according to the Clean Energy Finance Corporation.
The $3 billion was part of the $20 billion 'Rewiring the Nation' fund set aside in the 2022 federal budget to upgrade Australia's electricity grid for renewable energy. The deal with Western Australia was signed in August 2023, but the Clean Energy Finance Corporation confirmed to the ABC that no funds have been disbursed yet.
Shadow Energy Minister Steve Thomas criticised the delay, saying attempts to decarbonise the North-West Interconnected System have been set back by years. In contrast, agreements with New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria signed in late 2022 led to investments within about two years, with $3.54 billion already committed.
In December 2024, the Western Australian government gave four projects 'state recommendation' for Rewiring the Nation funding, including the Chichester Corridor project led by the Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation. That project expects a funding decision by late 2027.
Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the process is complex, involving negotiations with traditional owners and land tenure issues. A state government spokesperson noted that successful proponents are undertaking feasibility activities and working with the Clean Energy Finance Corporation.
