The Cook Labor government yesterday (1 May 2024) announced it will be powering up Western Australia’s energy manufacturing sector with a $26.4 million investment.
The investment is focused on supporting locally built clean energy components to drive local jobs.
As the demand for renewable energy grows significantly, the government is aiming to unlock further opportunities for local businesses in the wind energy supply chain — given Western Australia’s strong wind resource.
“We’ve got the wind and solar to power a cleaner, affordable, and reliable energy future for Western Australia, and our investment means its local businesses building the parts we need to become a renewable energy powerhouse,” Premier Roger Cook says.
As part of the 2024-25 state budget, the Cook government will be delivering $18.4 million to roll out another 50 locally-manufactured Standalone Power Systems (SPS) in regional Western Australia.
SPS are off-grid power solutions that provide low-cost, reliable power to end-of-network customers through a combination of solar panels and battery storage with back-up generation.
Since 2021, the WA government through Horizon Power has delivered 56 locally built SPS across regional WA.
The SPS already deployed have also allowed for removal of around 184 kilometres of overhead power lines in the regions.
The new investment will allow Horizon Power to install another 50 units in Esperance and throughout the Mid West region – all of which will be built in WA.
Energy Minister Reece Whitby says the SPS will play a role in Western Australia’s decarbonisation journey and this investment ensures regional locals can access clean, affordable, and reliable power.
The government will also be investing an additional $8 million to support local businesses to manufacture wind turbine components.
Funding will be available as grants to develop wind turbine manufacturing opportunities across the state.
Minister assisting the Minister for State and Industry Development, Jobs, and Trade Stephen Dawson says there is a demand for wind turbines as the world moves towards net zero emissions.
“By building the capacity and capability of Western Australia businesses to participate in wind energy supply chains, we’re supporting local jobs and helping to set up our economy for the future.”
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Government of Western Australia
