❓ Mr. Zempilas inquires about coordination between agencies regarding safety at utility-scale solar farms/BESS sites. The response outlines agency responsibilities and reveals no joint inspections have occurred since 2021.
AnsweredQoN 737Legislative Assembly
Asked
9 September 2025
Member
Portfolio
Attorney General; Minister for Commerce; Tertiary and International Education; Multicultural Interests
QuestionView source ↗
(1) What formal arrangements (Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)/protocols) exist between Building and Energy, WorkSafe WA and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services for incidents, inspections and compliance at utility-scale solar farms/battery energy storage systems (BESS) sites? (2) How are overlapping responsibilities handled (electrical safety, workplace safety, emergency response)? (3) How many joint inspections or investigations have occurred since 2021? (4) Will the Minister table the MOUs and a summary of joint activities?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
14 October 2025
Response time
6 days
(1) Responses to any incidents at utility-scale solar farms or battery energy storage systems (BESS) depend on the type of incident and legislative responsibility of relevant agencies.
Inspection and compliance activities for utility-scale solar farms and BESS sites are performed by the relevant network operator in accordance with the Inspection System Plan approved by the Director of Energy Safety.
(2) The agency or statutory body with primary legislative responsibility will lead the investigation of incidents that occur at a utility-scale solar farms or BESS, with support from other agencies and the network operator provided as needed.
Fires are attended by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). Building and Energy will support DFES where electrical work/installation is identified as likely source of ignition for the fire and investigate any breaches of electrical regulations.
WorkSafe has exclusive jurisdiction over workplace compliance matters and any breaches. Expert support is provided by Building and Energy, DFES or other agencies as required.
(3) None.
(4) Not applicable.
Inspection and compliance activities for utility-scale solar farms and BESS sites are performed by the relevant network operator in accordance with the Inspection System Plan approved by the Director of Energy Safety.
(2) The agency or statutory body with primary legislative responsibility will lead the investigation of incidents that occur at a utility-scale solar farms or BESS, with support from other agencies and the network operator provided as needed.
Fires are attended by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). Building and Energy will support DFES where electrical work/installation is identified as likely source of ignition for the fire and investigate any breaches of electrical regulations.
WorkSafe has exclusive jurisdiction over workplace compliance matters and any breaches. Expert support is provided by Building and Energy, DFES or other agencies as required.
(3) None.
(4) Not applicable.
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