Western Australia Launches Stage Two of Landmark Kalgoorlie Vanadium Battery Energy Storage Project
Date: 26 May 2026 |
Source: www.wa.gov, 26 May 2026
The Western Australian Government has officially opened Stage Two of the Expression of Interest (EOI) process for the Kalgoorlie Vanadium Battery Energy Storage System (VBESS), a major initiative aimed at strengthening energy reliability in the Goldfields region while supporting the development of Western Australia’s vanadium industry.
Backed by a State Government commitment of $150 million, the project will deliver a 50 MW / 500 MWh vanadium battery energy storage system in Kalgoorlie. The VBESS is expected to play a critical role in reinforcing power system security and reliability across Kalgoorlie and the Eastern Goldfields, while accelerating the deployment of long-duration energy storage technologies in Western Australia.
The project also represents a significant opportunity to catalyse the growth of a local vanadium supply chain and manufacturing sector, supporting the State Government’s broader Made in WA strategy and economic diversification objectives.
Stage One of the EOI process, completed earlier in 2026, attracted strong industry interest and demonstrated substantial support for investment in local supply chains and regional capability development. Insights from the initial market sounding process have informed the structure and requirements of Stage Two.
The Department of Energy and Economic Diversification (DEED) is now inviting detailed Proposals from qualified proponents to deliver the VBESS project. Funding support of up to $150 million will be made available to the successful proponent, subject to negotiated terms and conditions.
Proposals will be assessed against criteria including technical delivery capability, operational sustainability, commercial viability, local content participation, and alignment with regional economic development goals.
“Kalgoorlie’s VBESS project is a landmark opportunity to demonstrate Western Australia’s leadership in long-duration energy storage and to strengthen regional energy resilience while creating opportunities for local industry and communities,” the Department stated.
The Government expects to evaluate proposals from July 2026, with a preferred proponent anticipated to be selected later in the year.
Proposals must be submitted by 4:00 pm (AWST) on Monday, 20 July 2026 via email to VBESS@deed.wa.gov.au.
To support proposal development, DEED will host a non-mandatory public industry briefing webinar on Monday, 8 June 2026 at 3:00 pm AWST via Microsoft Teams.
The project is expected to generate substantial benefits for regional businesses, manufacturers, contractors, and suppliers throughout the Goldfields-Esperance region by prioritising local participation and strengthening regional supply chains.
For more information about the Kalgoorlie Vanadium Battery Energy Storage System Expression of Interest process, visit the Western Australian Government website.