Budget boost for a locally-built clean energy future

• Significant new investment to drive local manufacturing on clean energy projects
• $18.4 million to roll out another 50 locally-built Standalone Power Systems across regional WA
• $8 million to develop a local wind turbine manufacturing industry
• Energy transition creating local manufacturing jobs under the Cook Government

The Cook Labor Government will power up Western Australia's energy manufacturing sector, with a $26.4 million investment for locally-built clean energy components to drive local jobs.

As part of the 2024-25 State Budget, the Cook Government will deliver $18.4 million to roll out another 50 locally-manufactured Standalone Power Systems (SPS) in regional WA.

SPS are an off-grid power solution 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 Labor Government - through Horizon Power - has delivered 56 locally-built SPS across regional WA, helping to deliver cleaner, affordable and reliable energy while providing a pipeline of work for local manufacturing companies. 

The SPS already deployed have also allowed for removal of around 184 kilometres of overhead powerlines 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.

The Cook Government will also invest $8 million to support local businesses to manufacture wind turbine components.

With demand for renewable energy set to grow significantly and given WA's strong wind resources, unlocking further opportunities for local businesses in the wind energy supply chain will help to create local jobs and strengthen the economy.

The funding will be available as grants to develop wind turbine manufacturing opportunities across the State.

Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:

"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.

"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.

"It's part of my commitment to always doing what's right for WA, by diversifying our economy and creating jobs for the future."

Comments attributed to Energy Minister Reece Whitby:

"Standalone Power Systems will play an important role in Western Australia's decarbonisation journey.

"The Cook Government is committed to investing in new and emerging technologies to ensure power systems can safely and reliably serve remote and regional end-of-network customers.

"This investment will ensure regional Western Australians can access clean, affordable and reliable power."

Comments attributed to Minister Assisting the Minister for State and Industry Development, Jobs and Trade Stephen Dawson:

"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.

"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."