WA Government Announces New Wind Energy Manufacturing Subsidy
The Western Australian Government has announced a collaboration with the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) that will offer heavy steel fabrication companies subsidies to create wind energy infrastructure. The new Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program will offer support of up to $8 million of investment to projects in the sustainable energy manufacturing sector in WA, with up to 50% of project costs eligible to be covered. Wind tower foundations, anchor cages, nacelle components and assembly, transmission poles and specialised trailers (transport) are to be prioritised by the scheme, as well as related infrastructure around supply chains and maintenance. It will be split into two streams: one for new projects seeking and one for pre-existing projects in need of growth funding.
The market entry stream will focus on capability development, with indicative project sizes ranging from $20K to $60K (co-investment contribution $10K to $30K). The market growth stream will focus on capacity and capability enhancement, with indicative project sizes ranging from $500K to $1 million (co-investment contribution $250K to $500K). Initially the program is focused on areas where the State has translatable skills and capability including: anchor cages, nacelle components, tower foundations and assembly, transmission poles, specialised trailers (transport). The program also aims to upskill local businesses with appropriate accreditations to operate within the wind energy supply chain and build capacity related to replacement parts and servicing. As part of the MoU signed for Queensland wind farms, projects related to other wind manufacturing areas may be considered.
“The Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program is a testament to our commitment to creating a sustainable future for Western Australia and adhering to the Future Made in Australia Act,” said Stephen Dawson, Science Minister in the WA Government. Supporting local businesses to engage in wind energy supply chains positions the State to reap the benefits of the energy transition while also supporting our economic diversification. “The co-investment program is designed to provide support to businesses at different stages of their journey. Whether it’s helping new businesses to upgrade their accreditations or assisting companies to pivot or scale their operations, this funding will play a crucial role in enhancing our State’s advanced manufacturing capabilities.”
Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre Managing Director, Dr Jens Goennemann added that the deal was good news for the local wind energy sector. “Western Australia is home to very skilled manufacturers currently engaging in the mining plant and equipment Australia, minerals and energy space,” he said. “The Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program will focus on identifying local capabilities that can be turned towards opportunities in wind energy generation. In doing so, the WA Government and manufacturers will develop a broader and more capable manufacturing base while serving domestic renewable energy needs.”
