Frontier Energy Clears Key Grid Hurdle for 130MW Waroona Stage Two Solar Project
Key Takeaways
- Western Power has deemed Waroona Stage Two 'Ready to Progress' under its Critical Projects Framework, opening the door to network studies and assessments on the way to an Access Offer.
- Stage Two already has Development Approval and completed key environmental studies, leaving grid connection as the main gating item.
- Stage One's substation and Landwehr Terminal cable, a combined cost of over $30 million, can be reused, which Frontier says means a 'materially reduced timeframe and cost' for Stage Two.
- Stage Two is planned at 130MW solar and 80MW of roughly eight-hour battery storage, closely mirroring fully funded Stage One, which has first generation scheduled for 2028.
- No Stage Two cost, funding position or Access Offer timeline was disclosed, and the priority benefit depends on Western Power's requirements being met.
Stage Two secures Ready to Progress status under Western Power’s Critical Projects Framework
Frontier Energy (ASX: FHE) announced on 15 October 2026 that Stage Two of its Waroona Renewable Energy Project has been deemed “Ready to Progress” through the Initiation Phase of its grid connection application. The determination was made by Western Power under its Critical Projects Framework.
The status enables Stage Two to advance through to network studies and assessments, bringing the project one step closer to a connection to Western Australia’s main electricity network, the South West Interconnected System (SWIS). Stage Two already has Development Approval (DA) in place, and key environmental studies have been completed.
Jamie Cullen, Executive Chairman
“…Ready to Progress status provides increased certainty around the pathway for progressing the connection of Stage Two to the SWIS, which is a fundamental requirement for development…”
Frontier says the determination recognises Stage Two as a project of strategic importance. It also provides a clear pathway to advance towards an Access Offer.
When big ASX news breaks, our subscribers know first
What does Ready to Progress mean for Stage Two?
Three expected benefits
Frontier expects the status to deliver several important benefits for Stage Two’s development:
- Priority: Stage Two will receive increased priority within Western Power’s project connection process, subject to Western Power’s requirements being met.
- Development certainty: Greater visibility around the process and resources required to advance Stage Two towards connection.
- Project progression: Frontier can continue to progress Stage Two’s technical, commercial and development workstreams in parallel with the Western Power connection process.
These are expected benefits, not guarantees. The priority benefit in particular depends on Western Power’s requirements being met.
Grid connection explained
A solar and battery project only earns revenue if it can send power into the grid. That is why Mr Cullen describes connection to the SWIS as “…a fundamental requirement for development.”
Network studies and assessments are the next stage Stage Two can now move into. An Access Offer is what Frontier says it is now advancing towards, following those assessments.
For you as an investor, the takeaway is simple. Connection certainty is the main gating item for development, and Stage Two has now cleared a step in that process.
Stage One infrastructure sets up a faster, cheaper Stage Two
Frontier describes a “future proofing” approach. Stage One is being constructed to enable efficient and cost-effective development of Stage Two, with the substation and the cable connecting the Landwehr Terminal to Stage One able to be utilised by Stage Two.
The two stages are planned to be similar in size and configuration:
| Item | Stage One | Stage Two |
|---|---|---|
| Solar capacity | 132MW | 130MW (planned) |
| BESS | 81.5MW / 6.9hr | 80MW / ~8hr (planned) |
| Status | Site works commenced September; first generation scheduled for 2028; fully funded | DA in place; Ready to Progress |
Frontier says reusing the common-use infrastructure:
- Avoids the capital cost of a new substation and connection cable (combined cost for Stage One is over $30 million).
- Saves significant time given the long-lead time for procurement of certain critical equipment. The Stage One connection cable was ordered in February 2025.
- Enables a “materially reduced timeframe and cost” for Stage Two compared with Stage One.
The announcement does not disclose a Stage Two cost, timeline or funding figure.
The next major ASX story will hit our subscribers first
Building Waroona into a renewable energy hub
Frontier’s long-term strategy is to develop the Waroona Project into a multi-stage renewable energy hub. It plans to use its existing 830-hectare land holding and its proximity to the Landwehr Terminal, with the project located approximately 120km south of Perth.
Stage One is fully funded and scheduled for first generation in 2028. The announcement does not state a funding position for Stage Two.
Next steps include working with Western Power on connection requirements and progressing the related technical and commercial workstreams. The Company is also assessing expansion opportunities aimed at supporting future growth sectors, including large energy users and emerging power-intensive industries.
The announcement does not provide a timeline for the Access Offer or Stage Two construction. What it does show is a project with approvals in place, shared infrastructure and a clearer connection pathway, which are the building blocks of the scalable growth Frontier is targeting.
Get Renewable Energy News Before the Market Moves
Join 30,000+ investors receiving FREE ASX energy alerts within minutes of release, with breaking news and in-depth analysis delivered straight to your inbox. Click the “Free Alerts” button at Big News Blast to stay ahead the moment market-moving announcements land.