Western Australia’s ‘first-class’ renewable energy resources and advanced manufacturing opportunities will be showcased by the Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson in a visit to South Korea.
A three-day visit aims to strengthen the state’s relationship with South Korea and to discuss the opportunities available as the Western Australian Government continues to diversify its economy.
The mission will further cooperation in certain areas, including green iron, green ammonia utilisation, and carbon capture, utilisation and storage. The mission also provides an opportunity to promote the state’s regulatory reforms and decarbonisation initiatives that will boost Western Australia’s investment attractiveness.
Sanderson will meet major industry partners, including POSCO (KRX:005490), Samsung (KRX:005930) and LX International (KRX:001120), to promote the state’s energy transition, and discuss investment and collaboration opportunities in battery manufacturing, green iron and steel and transmission infrastructure development.
South Korea is Western Australia’s third largest trading partner, with companies including POSCO, Korean Gas Corporation (KRX:036460), Samsung and LG Chem (KRX:051910) continuing to invest in and trade with the state.
“Our drive to decarbonise and diversify our economy as we make Western Australia a renewable energy powerhouse offers opportunities for our trading neighbours, including South Korea,” Sanderson says.
WA’s water investment
The Western Australian Government has also delivered a record $1.59 billion in contracts to local businesses in FY2024-25, as part of an investment in new water and wastewater projects across the state.
This latest investment represents a 39% increase on FY2023-24, highlighting the scale of work Water Corporation is delivering to ensure growing communities continue to benefit from sustainable water and wastewater services.
Water Corporation is forecast to invest a further $244 million through 2028 in WA-made products. These products include steel pipes, valves, pump components, and operational supplies.
In total, a record $2.2 billion has been allocated to projects under Water Corporation’s Asset Investment Program during this financial year.
More than 85% of Water Corporation contracts were awarded to the state’s suppliers and contractors in FY2024-25, including $110 million to regional businesses and $16.2 million to First Nations’ businesses.
Key projects currently underway include Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant, Western Australia’s first regional desalination plant in Onslow, upgrades to the Ord Irrigation Scheme in the Kimberley region, and renewal of aging water mains across Perth.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Western Australian Government
