WA government considering new gas-fired power plant as coal phases out

The Cook Government is currently investigating the feasibility of constructing a new state-owned gas-fired power station south of Perth, an initiative designed to bolster energy security as Western Australia prepares to decommission its remaining coal-fired assets by 2030. Energy Minister Reece Whitby confirmed that the proposal is part of a broader strategy to ensure the South West Interconnected System remains resilient during the state’s ambitious transition toward a renewables-based future.

This move highlights the complex balancing act facing policymakers as they navigate the retirement of traditional base-load power sources. While the shift away from coal is non-negotiable under current climate targets, the necessity for ‘firming’ capacity—dispatchable power that can fill gaps left by intermittent solar and wind—has made the case for new gas infrastructure increasingly compelling for state planners.

“The transition to a net-zero economy is evolving from a policy ambition into a high-stakes engineering reality where grid reliability is the non-negotiable foundation of public trust.”

Critics argue that further investment in fossil fuel infrastructure may send mixed signals regarding the state’s decarbonisation goals; however, the government maintains that gas will play a critical, albeit supporting, role in preventing supply shortfalls. The outcome of the current investigation will likely determine the scale of the state’s direct involvement in the energy market for the next decade.