Guiding renewable energy projects from concept to operation in WA 11 min read
Western Australia has introduced a suite of mechanisms designed to materially reduce approval timelines and streamline the path from concept to construction for renewable energy projects. With 2024 setting a new record for investment in Australia’s renewable energy transition - $12.7 billion according to the Clean Energy Council - and momentum continuing into 2026, proponents who identify and engage with these frameworks early stand to reduce project delays, avoid duplicated effort and lower development costs.
Against this backdrop, however, navigating the approvals landscape in WA has become increasingly complex. Throughout 2025, changes to legislation, departmental structures and responsibilities, together with the passage of the State Development Act 2025 (WA), have introduced additional layers of complexity. Knowing the avenues available to streamline this process, identifying which agencies to engage with, and how to engage effectively, are essential to keeping your project on track.
In this Insight, we provide an overview of the key WA Government mechanisms and departments involved in renewable energy approvals. We examine four frameworks in particular - the State Development Act 2025 (WA), the Draft Renewable Energy Planning Code, the Community Benefits Guideline for Large-scale Renewable Energy Projects and the Lead Agency Framework - and explore how each can help guide your project from concept through to construction and operation. While these reforms do not address all sources of project risk - including grid connection, transmission capacity and offtake dynamics - they represent a critical lever for reducing approval‑related delay, duplication and uncertainty.
Jump to
- Key takeaways
- Recent WA Government initiatives for renewable energy projects
- The Lead Agency Framework
- Projects that have engaged with the Lead Agency Framework include:
- Renewable energy projects and the Lead Agency Framework
- Key government departments
- How does someone apply?
- Actions you can take now
- Contact the team
Key takeaways
- Strong investment climate: Australia's renewable energy sector continues to attract record levels of investment, and WA’s stable political environment makes it a prime location for project development, particularly for projects that can demonstrate approvals certainty and delivery readiness. Proponents who identify and engage early with the correct approval pathways can significantly reduce project delays, avoid duplicated effort and lower development costs.
- Navigating approvals: renewable energy proponents must engage with multiple WA Government departments, often facing a complex and unclear approvals process.
- Support through a variety of government initiatives: mechanisms such as the Lead Agency Framework's 'Green Energy Major Projects' process, the Draft Renewable Energy Planning Code, the Community Benefits Guideline and recent legislative initiatives, including the State Development Act 2025 (WA), aim to streamline approvals and reduce red tape, offering clearer pathways for project development.
- Benefits of lead agency status: projects granted assistance under these initiatives, and the Lead Agency Framework specifically, receive coordinated support and a more efficient approvals process.
- Commercial and strategic value: lead agency status, Priority Project designation under the State Development Act 2025 (WA), and alignment with the Draft Renewable Energy Planning Code each signal that a project is of strategic importance to the State. This recognition can materially support financing discussions, strengthen stakeholder and community confidence, and differentiate a project in an increasingly competitive market for grid connection and offtake arrangements.
Recent WA Government initiatives for renewable energy projects
Over the course of 2025 and early 2026, the Government has progressed a number of reforms to support the streamlining of approvals processes for renewable energy projects.
State Development Act 2025 (WA)
The State Development Act 2025 (WA) (the Act) establishes a new framework for the coordination, facilitation and promotion of projects of strategic or economic significance to WA, including renewable energy developments. The substantive provisions of the Act, including the Priority Projects and State Development Area regimes, commenced on 19 February 2026.
Renewable energy projects of strategic or economic significance may be designated as Priority Projects, which is intended to enhance coordination across government, streamline processes and reduce regulatory complexity. The Act also enables the declaration of State Development Areas (SDAs), which are designated precincts in WA identified to support the State's strategic economic development. Decision‑makers exercising statutory functions within an SDA will be required to have due regard to any applicable SDA plan.
The Act does not replace existing planning or environmental approvals, but operates as an overlay to existing approval pathways. In practice, proponents must still obtain all standard approvals, but may benefit from more coordinated assessment processes and improved sequencing facilitated by the newly created Office of the Coordinator General. Proponents should engage early to understand eligibility and position projects to benefit from the regime.
Draft Renewable Energy Planning Code
The Draft Renewable Energy Planning Code (the Code) represents a significant shift towards a more standardised planning framework for renewable energy projects in WA. While initially focused on wind farms, the Code is intended to expand to other renewable energy developments, including transmission systems, solar farms and battery energy storage systems.
Once approved, the Code will have statutory effect across WA through amendments to planning regulations and incorporation into local planning schemes. During the transition period, decision-makers will be required to have 'due regard' to the Code when assessing development applications, which will support timely and consistent decision-making.
For proponents, the Code introduces a State‑wide, mandatory assessment framework that prescribes development standards, application requirements and assessment criteria for renewable energy projects across WA. While this will require more detailed upfront planning and technical work, including at earlier stages of project development, it is intended to deliver greater certainty, consistency, and reduced approval and operational risk, particularly for wind farm developments.
Community Benefits Guideline for Large-scale Renewable Energy Projects in the South West Interconnected System
PoweringWA has released the Community Benefits Guideline for Large‑scale Renewable Energy Projects in the South West Interconnected System (the Guideline), to support early engagement and benefit‑sharing between proponents and host communities. While compliance with the Guideline is not mandatory, alignment will be encouraged through existing mechanisms, including eligibility for State incentives and the federal Capacity Investment Scheme.
Proponents developing large-scale renewable energy projects in the South West Interconnected System should consider the Guideline early in the project planning process to inform community engagement strategies and strengthen their position in respect of available incentives.
The Lead Agency Framework
The Lead Agency Framework, in place since 2021, assigns a single government department or agency as the 'Lead Agency' to coordinate approvals across all relevant bodies on behalf of the proponent. Rather than replacing existing regulatory requirements, it provides proponents with a dedicated case manager who can identify approval dependencies, resolve inter-agency bottlenecks and help sequence applications to avoid unnecessary delays. The framework operates alongside existing regulatory requirements and is designed to bridge the gap between government agencies and project proponents, ensuring that each party's expectations and obligations are clearly understood and efficiently managed.
The Lead Agency Framework supports proponents by:
- providing guidance on statutory requirements through agency guidelines and referrals;
- coordinating approval applications across government bodies, where appropriate;
- identifying potential impacts of the proposal on matters such as infrastructure, the environment, and regional communities, as well as social considerations; and
- scoping the proposal upfront, determining the required approvals (including under federal legislation such as the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth)) and setting indicative timeframes. This is particularly valuable for renewable energy proponents who must often navigate both state and federal approval processes concurrently.
Projects need to fall within one of the following three classifications to qualify for the Lead Agency Framework, which in turn determines the extent of support provided.1
| Level | Proposal classification | Assistance provided |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1: Routine | Routine proposals that can be accommodated through existing assessment processes |
Lead Agency may assign a case officer to provide initial advice and support. Services may include:
|
| Level 2: Complex | Proposals that may be complex due to sensitivities or scale, or that may involve a proponent with limited experience in the approvals process. These proposals may involve significant capital investment and create long-term employment opportunities. |
Lead Agency will assign a case manager to scope the proposal in detail, and guide the proponent through the 'whole of government' approval process (eg coordinate interactions with other agencies). Services include:
|
| Level 3: State Significant | Status to be determined by the WA Government. Such projects are typically of critical strategic importance to the state. | Receive the same support as detailed in Level 2, with additional state-level recognition. |
Projects that have engaged with the Lead Agency Framework include:
- Australian Vanadium Limited project
- BP's renewable hydrogen project
- Chalice Mining's Gonneville projects
- Covalent Lithium's mine expansion and processing facility
- Frontier Energy's Bristol Springs solar hydrogen project
- Hancock Prospecting's support for infrastructure development for the Mulga Downs Mine
- InterContinental Energy's Eucla green hydrogen project
- Leichhardt's solar salt operation
- Province Resources' green hydrogen project
- Woodside's hydrogen production facility
Renewable energy projects and the Lead Agency Framework
Green Energy Major Projects2
Specialised services
Once a project qualifies under the Lead Agency Framework, there are additional specialised services for 'Green Energy Major Projects', regardless of their level. These specialised services were established under the Green Energy Approvals Initiative, described further below. The following project types may be eligible:
- conventional wind, solar and wave power generation;
- hydrogen industries;
- lithium mining operations;
- critical minerals processing and manufacturing; and
- manufacturing or recycling of green energy products (eg batteries, electrolysers, solar panels and turbines).
These specialised services were established under the 'Green Energy Approvals Initiative', which tailors the Lead Agency Framework to the unique needs of major green energy projects. The initiative aims to reduce approval timeframes for specific green energy projects by establishing:
- a dedicated environmental assessment team; and
- a dedicated major projects facilitation team.3
These teams specialise in the approvals landscape for eligible projects.
Streamlined tenure approvals
The Green Energy Approvals Initiative includes measures to support proponents in securing tenure earlier in the approvals process. For example, under certain conditions, the WA Minister for Lands may lease Crown land while a proposal is being assessed by the Environmental Protection Authority. This early access tenure can significantly streamline project timelines. Further detail on tenure options for resources projects in WA is available in our Insight: Land access in WA: tenure options available to mining companies.
Coordinated agency support
The green energy projects approval team is based within the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification (DEED) and is tasked with delivering a more streamlined pathway for environmental assessments. It coordinates across key agencies, including the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER); the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions; the Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration (DMPE); and the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH). The objective is to provide a smoother, more integrated approvals process for major renewable energy projects.
Non-major renewable energy projects
Renewable energy projects that do not qualify as 'Major Projects', such as energy storage and electricity transmission infrastructure, can still access the Lead Agency Framework for coordination support. However, the specialised teams established under the Green Energy Approvals Initiative may not be available for these projects, and proponents should confirm the scope of assistance available when initiating engagement with the relevant Lead Agency.
Key government departments
When a project is given lead agency status, a government department is appointed as coordinator. The coordination role involves liaising with other departments that provide the specific approvals the project needs. A project can have one of the following departments appointed as coordinator and may interact with other departments as approvals providers.
DEED is generally the lead agency for major resource and industry proposals, including those under a State Agreement. In the context of renewable energy, it is particularly relevant for: (i) wind and solar farms; (ii) large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) facilities; and (iii) green hydrogen projects.
While there are no specific approvals that a project would need to obtain from DEED, it plays a significant facilitation role as it:
- coordinates state agreements with a focus on the approvals process for major resource projects, which will be relevant for any state agreement proponents looking to transition to alternate energy sources; and
- hosts the Green Energy Major Projects group, which is tasked with streamlining environmental assessments.
Note: DEED was established as part of the 2025 departmental restructure, assuming functions formerly held by the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DJTSI).
DMPE is the lead agency for:
- Level 1 proposals: routine mining, petroleum, geothermal and carbon capture and storage proposals. These are typically pre-development proposals, such as applications for exploration tenements and environmental approvals for exploration activities, expansions of existing projects or the development of new projects by experienced industry proponents.
- Level 2 proposals: less complex development proposals not coordinated by DEED.
DMPE works with the WA community, industry, and the energy and resources sector, and plays a key role in approving:
- tenure applications under the Mining Act 1978 (WA);
- mining proposals; and
- vegetation clearing permits (by delegation from the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation).
Note: as of 1 July 2025, the former Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety was split into the DMPE and the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (LGIR).
DPLH is the lead agency for:
- administering the Land Administration Act 1997 (WA);
- managing tenure and land use approvals;
- overseeing Aboriginal heritage approvals under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (WA); and
- hosting the Development Assessment Panel.
Note: DPLH was not affected by the 2025 departmental restructure.
DWER is the lead agency for environmental and water-related approvals. It:
- regulates and approves clearing permits for native vegetation;
- provides advice on land use planning matters to local governments and other decision-makers, such as the Western Australian Planning Commission, the DPLH and DMPE.
- supports various bodies, including the Environmental Protection Authority.
Note: DWER was not affected by the 2025 departmental restructure.
How does someone apply?
- Assess eligibility: determine if your project qualifies as a Green Energy Major Project, or otherwise for the Lead Agency Framework.
- Apply for lead agency status: this can streamline your approvals and boost your project's profile.
- Stay informed: monitor departmental changes and evolving frameworks to ensure compliance and efficiency.
Actions you can take now
- Assess your eligibility and engage early: early engagement is often the single most effective step in reducing approval timelines and mitigating downstream delivery and financing risk. Whether your project is at the feasibility stage, seeking development approval or progressing through an active approvals process, consider whether it is eligible for the Lead Agency Framework or the Green Energy Major Projects process, and initiate engagement with the relevant agencies as early as possible. Proponents should also engage with the Office of the Coordinator General to understand eligibility for Priority Project designation under the Act. Additionally, consider the implications of the Draft Renewable Energy Planning Code for project design and assessment.
- Explore funding and incentive opportunities: your project may benefit from available schemes and incentives, including those linked to compliance with the Community Benefits Guideline for Large-scale Renewable Energy Projects, such as State incentives and the Capacity Investment Scheme. Given the current investment climate, project developers and investors should also monitor any new funding assistance schemes that may be released by the Government.
- Continue to monitor policy changes and respond to consultations: the approvals landscape for renewable energy projects in WA continues to evolve. Stay across updates to approval pathways, departmental guidance, and any new incentive schemes to ensure your project can appropriately leverage the streamlined support available.
Whether you are scoping a new renewable energy project, navigating an active approvals process or seeking to understand how these frameworks apply to your specific circumstances, our team can help you identify the right pathway and engage effectively with the relevant agencies. Please contact any of the team members below to discuss your project.