The Western Australian Government is seeking expressions of interest (EOI) to deliver a WA-made vanadium battery for Kalgoorlie, marking a major step toward establishing a local supply chain around vanadium mining.
Backed by $150 million in government funding, the Vanadium Battery Energy Storage System will be the largest of its type in Australia. The project is designed to strengthen power reliability in the Goldfields and advance the state’s plans to grow new manufacturing industries under the Made in WA strategy.
Stage one of the EOI is now open and runs until January 30, focusing on identifying capability in the market rather than selecting contractors. The government is encouraging participation from local businesses as it works with industry to set practical local content targets. Stage two, scheduled for early to mid-2026, will evaluate detailed business cases before a preferred proponent is chosen.
The VBESS project will provide 50 megawatts/500 megawatt-hours of long-duration storage and will be built using locally sourced and processed vanadium. Designed for up to 10 hours of discharge, the flow battery technology offers advantages in hot climates, including fire resistance, scalability and recyclability.
“A locally made and sourced vanadium flow battery will create jobs during construction, deliver improved energy resilience for the region and complement other planned upgrades in the Goldfields region,” Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said.
Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent said the investment reflects the region’s emerging role in advanced battery manufacturing and the broader vanadium supply chain.
“The vanadium project is a gamechanger for the Goldfields’ energy future and it positions Kalgoorlie-Boulder at the forefront of innovation, showcasing our capacity to lead in advanced battery manufacturing, creating local jobs and diversifying our local economy,” Kent said.
