Western Australia slashes “green tape” and bypasses EPA for renewable projects

The Western Australian government has announced a ‘streamlined’ process to approving renewable energy projects, essentially slashing “green tape” and providing an effective bypass to the Environmental Protection Authority.

An exemption to the 1986 Environmental Protection Act will allow the WA minister for lands to lease Crown land before the proposal has been approved by the EPA.

The move comes as W.A. fast tracks its plans to build new wind, solar and storage – firstly to meet the anticipated closure of its remaining coal fired generators before the end of the decade, to reduce dependence on costly and polluting fossil gas, and to meet the demands of industry for cheaper and cleaner renewables.

The W.A. government has estimated it may need to build up to 50 GW of new renewable capacity over the next 20 years to meet the increase demand from electrification of homes and industry, electric vehicles, and the need for miners and manufacturers to source their power from zero emission renewables.

“This new class exemption builds on the Cook Government’s commitment to streamline approvals, and cut green tape for the State’s renewable energy to deliver new jobs and diversify our economy,” said WA lands minister John Carey.

“Along with harnessing our exceptional renewable energy resources, providing access to Crown land is one of many ways we are facilitating more clean energy production, while creating skilled local jobs for the future.”

The EPA would traditionally provide Government with advice on the environmental acceptability of developments. In the new exception process, the EPA will still need to grant approval, but the government can ‘grant an option’ to lease Crown land before the process is complete.

The exception order – which is part of the ‘Green Energy Approvals Initiative’ will not impact current environmental assessments.

This new exception rule has been announced while NSW guidelines have almost completely ruled out new wind projects in the state.

The announcement also comes only a few months after the state announced $22.5 million for the creation of a green energy approvals team to fast-track renewable energy and green hydrogen projects.

The government at that time suggested there were 40 projects already undergoing assessment, and 30 other projects expected over the next 12 months.

In May this year, WA unveiled a stunning assessment of its green industry opportunities, combining renewable production, critical minerals, green hydrogen and other green industries.

WA also hit a new record late last year with 81.4 per cent ‘instantaneous’ renewables on December 4, while November overall had a record 43 per cent wind and solar.

“Western Australia is on track to become a global green energy superpower,” said Carey.

“This new streamlined process means Government can provide renewable energy proponents greater confidence to invest here – further highlighting WA’s leading role in a decarbonised future.”

The WA EPA has been under fire recently, after committing to let Woodside’s North West Shelf – Australia’s largest gas export plant – stay open until 2070. Plus, a report from the ABC found that Premier Mark McGowan had pressured the EPA to withdraw emissions guidelines in 2018.

“We are not making any changes to the due diligence or responsibilities of the EPA – or the minister for lands through this reform – these changes will simply reduce Government approvals timeframes for projects that can meet their environmental requirements, while preserving the due diligence and responsibilities required by the EPA,” said WA environment minister Reece Whitby.

“We have listened to the feedback from proponents and investors, and found an innovative approach to ensure these renewable energy projects are able to progress in a timely manner.”