The latest round of the Australian government’s Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) is officially open, providing renewable energy project developers with the opportunity to register and bid for underwriting contracts for generation projects in Western Australia’s Wholesale Electricity Market (WEM).

CIS Tender 11 is seeking about 1.8 GW of renewable energy generation capacity with projects supported through the tender expected to be operating by 2030. Registrations for the tender are already open with bids opening on 27 August alongside the release of the tender guidelines.

Australian Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the tender will be the first to require participation in the government’s new Developer Rating Scheme (DRS), that is designed to give landholders and local communities greater transparency about the track record, capability and conduct of renewable energy developers and transmission companies

“Western Australia needs more power as its economy and population grow, and this tender will bring forward another 1.8 GW of new generation to help deliver it,” Bowen said.

“We’re also lifting the bar for developers – if you want Commonwealth backing through this tender, you need to show you’re serious about working properly with communities and landholders.”

The DRS is run independently by data, analytics and technology company Equifax. It looks at areas such as community engagement, commercial capabilities and financial capacity. To bid in Tender 11, developers must have commenced the DRS assessment process.

The new tender also includes a 180 MW First Nations Equity and Revenue Sharing Set Aside. It is for projects that commit to 5% or higher First Nations equity participation, or a similar revenue-sharing arrangement.

Federal Assistant Energy Minister Josh Wilson the tender will also place a stronger emphasis on projects being ready and able to deliver, including their ability to attract financing. 

“By placing a stronger emphasis on deliverability and financing capability, we’re ensuring projects supported through the Capacity Investment Scheme are well positioned to be built and provide energy when it’s needed,” he said.

“This tender will help bring forward the generation capacity needed to support the state’s growing economy and population.”

The launch of Tender 11 builds on recent CIS investment in WA. Earlier tenders announced this year supported 1.9 GW of renewable energy generation and 482 MW of battery energy storage across 10 projects.

The government said Tender 11 is likely to be the final CIS tender in the WEM, provided generation and dispatchable capacity targets are met.