Business grant worth $250,000 will help Goldfielders access solar and battery storage solutions locally

A Goldfields business will use a State Government grant of $250,000 to offer solar power and battery storage solutions, meaning locals won’t have to rely on Perth-based service providers. Kambalda-based Leeson Electrical secured the regional economic development grant in the latest round last week to expand its operations with the creation of Silky Pear Energy. The Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission, which administers the RED grants program, said Leeson Electrical’s new division focused on renewable energy solutions for the Goldfields. Funding supported the construction of a dedicated workshop in Boulder, featuring spaces for assembly, research and development, and practical training. The commission said this service would enable local businesses and households to access reliable solar power and battery storage solutions without relying on Perth-based service providers. It would also provide a professional base to train and mentor apprentices, supporting the growth of skilled electrical trades in the region. Leeson Electrical manager Hayden Leeson said the company’s new renewable energy division would allow it to deliver solar and battery solutions locally, while building skills and expertise. Company director Susan Leeson said the project was about giving the community better access to sustainable power, creating local jobs, and equipping the next generation of electricians with practical experience in the Goldfields. The commission said by providing a local renewable energy services and training opportunity, the project supported the Goldfields’ transition to clean energy, strengthened energy security, and contributed to long-term regional economic growth. “This project is a strong example of how RED grants support both economic growth and the transition to renewable energy,” commission chair Terrence Winner said. “It will create local jobs, build skills and keep investment in the Goldfields.” Leeson Electrical was one of six Goldfields-Esperance businesses that shared in $635,000 in the latest round of the RED grants program.