State government grant to back local manufacture of standalone power systems and wind turbine parts

Western Australia’s Cook Labor government is to commit $26.4 million to invest in the buildout of a local clean energy manufacturing sector, including another 50 stand alone power systems.

The $26.4 million investment will be split between $18.4 million to roll out another 50 locally made standalone power systems (SPS) across regional Western Australia, and another $8 million to support the local manufacturing of wind turbine components.

Rolled out as part of the 2024-25 State Budget, the investment is designed to drive local manufacturing on clean energy projects and boost the creation of local manufacturing jobs.

“The energy transition is the biggest economic shift in a generation, and I want to make sure every Western Australian benefits as we move towards a clean energy future,” said Roger Cook, Western Australia’s Premier.

“We’ve got the wind and solar to power a cleaner, affordable and reliable energy future for WA, and our investment means it’s local businesses building the parts we need to become a renewable energy powerhouse.

Western Australia’s Labor government has already delivered 56 locally built standalone power systems across regional WA since 2021, in partnership with the government-owned regional energy provider, Horizon Power.

The resulting systems have allowed for the removal of around 184 kilometres of overhead powerlines in the regions.

The $18.4 million investment will allow Horizon Power to install another 50 units in Esperance and throughout the Mid West region of the state.

The Cook government is also committing $8 million to support local businesses in the manufacturing of wind turbine components – an effort which is hoped to take advantage of the state’s strong wind resources and unlock further opportunities for local businesses.

“We know there will be enormous demand for wind turbines as we move towards net zero emissions, and we want to see WA businesses manufacturing, operating and maintaining those turbines,” said Stephen Dawson, minister assisting the minister for state and industry development, jobs, and trade.

“By building the capacity and capability of WA businesses to participate in wind energy supply chains, we’re supporting local jobs and helping to set up our economy for the future.”