Australia's CIS Tender 11 seeks 1.8GW for WA

The Australian Government has opened a new tender to secure 1.8 gigawatts of renewable energy generation in Western Australia. This round, known as CIS Tender 11, aims to supply power for approximately one million households in the state.

For the first time, projects applying must participate in the federal government's Developer Rating Scheme (DRS). Managed independently by credit bureau Equifax, the DRS is intended to provide greater transparency for landholders and communities regarding developers' track records. Participants must have begun the DRS assessment process to be eligible.

The portal for registrations opened on 25 August, with bids formally invited from 27 August. Accredited companies meeting the DRS standards across seven criteria are listed publicly and receive a community engagement rating.

Scheme Requirements and Developer Standards

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen stated the initiative lifts the bar for developers seeking Commonwealth backing. "If you want Commonwealth backing through this tender, you need to show you are serious about working properly with communities and landholders," Bowen said. The round will also place emphasis on project readiness, deliverability, and the ability of developers to secure financing.

As in previous tenders, successful projects must participate in Western Australia's Reserve Capacity Mechanism. The government says the Capacity Investment Scheme is already supporting more than 100 projects across Australia.

Previous CIS Results and State Initiatives

Previous Capacity Investment Scheme rounds in Western Australia have resulted in the approval of ten projects. These comprise 482 megawatts of storage capacity and 1.9 gigawatts of renewable generation.

Two CIS-supported projects, totalling 250 megawatts, have already signed agreements and begun construction. The government states these projects are capable of powering more than 100,000 households.

Separately, the Government of Victoria has opened a request for proposal process for its first 2 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity. Contracts for these projects are expected to be finalised in 2028, with the aim of delivering electricity to approximately 1.5 million households.

These Victorian projects are intended to help the state reach its offshore wind capacity target of 9 gigawatts. Contracts are planned for inclusion in the national Electricity Services Entry Mechanism.

Minister Bowen linked the Western Australian tender to broader economic needs. "Western Australia needs more power as its economy and population grow, and this tender will bring forward another 1.8GW of new generation to help deliver it," he said. He characterised the government's plan as driving investment for cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable energy.