WA targets wind manufacturing supply chain with $8 million co-investment and advice scheme

Manufacturers of wind tower foundations, anchor cages, nacelle components, transmission poles and specialised transport trailers are among the businesses Western Australia is hoping to build in the state, through an $8 million government and industry support scheme.  

The new partnership between the Western Australian government and the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) was announced on Tuesday with a promise of co-investment to cover up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs.

The WA Labor government says the Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program will provide industry support and up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs to local WA businesses looking to join the local wind energy manufacturing supply chain.

The funds will be made available through a co-investment and advice program, backed by $8 million from state government, targeting local WA businesses’ capacity and capability to participate in the wind energy, manufacturing, and servicing supply chains.

The program will prioritise manufacturing of wind tower foundations, anchor cages, nacelle components and assembly, transmission poles, specialised transport trailers, as well as capacity building for replacement parts and servicing, and refurbishing centres.

“The Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program is a testament to our commitment to creating a sustainable future for Western Australia,” said Stephen Dawson, Western Australian minister for science.

“Supporting local businesses to engage in the 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.”

Eligible businesses will be able to seek co-investment through two separate streams – the market entry stream, and the market growth stream.

The market entry stream will be capability focused and support pre-qualification and accreditation processes, niche software, process improvement, and similar. Indicative project sizes for the market entry stream are expected to range between $20,000 and $60,000, with co-investment contributions ranging between $10,000 and $30,000.

The market growth stream, on the other hand, will be both capacity and capability focused, and will include capital and/or operating expenditure.

Support will focus on plant and equipment enhancement and research and development projects. Indicative project size for this stream is expected to land somewhere between the $500,000 and $1 million mark, with co-investment contributions of between $250,000 to $500,000.

“Western Australia is home to very skilled manufacturers currently engaging in the mining, minerals, and energy space,” said Dr Jens Goennemann, AMGC managing director.

“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.” 

Applications will be “open, continuous, and competitive” until all available funding has been exhausted, the government says.

All manufacturers interested in applying for funds under either of the two streams can register to attend in-person information sessions as well as access written guidelines and a pre-recorded webinar here.