The challenge

Expression of Interest (EOI)

Energy Policy WA (EPWA) provides policy advice to the government to facilitate the delivery of secure, reliable, sustainable and affordable energy services to Western Australia. Within that mandate, EPWA is responsible for execution of the Pilbara Energy Transition (PET) Plan. The PET Plan is intended to accelerate the achievement of a rapid, orderly and equitable transition to renewable energy in the Pilbara.

As part of the PET Plan initiative, the government released an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the development of common-use transmission infrastructure, identifying four Corridors for network expansion—two in the west Pilbara and two in the east Pilbara. EPWA sought expert commercial advice for its EOI process, including document drafting and assessing proponent bids, to provide recommendations to the State for awarding Priority Project Status for one or more of the four priority transmission corridors in the Pilbara network.

Our solution

Design and evaluation of bid assessment process

Rennie developed commercial questions from a potential proponent’s perspective and supported the development of evaluation criteria to ensure the EOI process will lead to comprehensive submissions while maintaining probity requirements. Additionally, Rennie designed a bid assessment structure that enables EPWA to conduct a thorough and fair evaluation, ensuring they have all the information needed to make an informed decision on the Priority Project Status outcome.

Rennie conducted an initial review of proponents’ bids and the corridors they have applied for, as well as understanding of proponents’ capabilities, expertise and prior experience. Secondly, gathered evidence from each bid and commenced compiling evidence against the agreed upon criteria. The agreed selection criteria involved engagement with EPWA and other stakeholders (i.e., Horizon Power, Treasury, JTSI, etc.). Thirdly, an evaluation of the supporting evidence provided against the criteria was conducted, provide reasoning via qualitative and quantitative analysis supporting final proponent selection. Lastly, Rennie compiled the bids into assessment documentation and commenced analysis on system and pathway considerations.

Our impact

Targeted criteria assessment against the outcomes desired by government

The bid assessment structure developed helped to create a balanced analysis of the focus areas and risks of the decarbonisation transition in the Pilbara. The significant engagement with a wide range of government departments and collating their feedback allowed diverse opportunities and risks to be properly considered. The bid assessment criteria included considerations for Traditional Owner involvement and benefit-sharing, community engagement, the focus on establishing common use infrastructure, and project viability and timeline.

Key insights

• Clear and comprehensive EOI documentation, improving submission quality, maintaining probity requirements and reducing ambiguity for proponents
• Introduction of additional investors and potential proponents to the EOI process.
• A bid assessment framework that ensures a balanced and transparent evaluation of all submissions and support in managing the end-to-end process.
• Decision-making confidence for EPWA, with all necessary data to select the most suitable projects for Priority Project Status.
• Providing context to understand and effectively consider proponent perspectives and proposals in regards of project related risks and value delivered towards State objectives