Building the transition and interconnection infrastructure needed to support large-scale electrification and renewable energy integration in the Pilbara is a cornerstone of Western Australia’s decarbonisation strategy. This panel will bring together key stakeholders to discuss the Pilbara Energy Transition (PET) Plan, its progress, challenges, and opportunities for mining companies and communities. Topics will include funding allocation, partnership development, infrastructure priorities, and balancing industrial needs with environmental goals.

• What strategies are being employed to effectively coordinate partnerships between private entities, Traditional Owner groups, and the State Government to accelerate infrastructure development and ensure equitable benefits from the energy transition?
• How can the $3 billion Rewiring the Nation allocation be best utilized to target priority projects that achieve the maximum decarbonisation impact while supporting mining operations?
• What are the technical and regulatory challenges associated with building common-use transmission infrastructure in the Pilbara, and how can these be overcome to ensure seamless interconnection across mining operations?
• With growing demand from fleet electrification and other industrial processes, how can the Pilbara’s renewable energy capacity be expanded and optimized to meet immediate and future energy needs?
• What lessons from major Pilbara decarbonisation initiatives, such as large-scale solar and hydrogen projects, can be applied to other mining regions facing similar challenges?