- Tender
opens for Pilbara-based Clean Energy
Training and Research Institute
- Facility to focus on skills, training, and
research for clean energy industries
- Part
of the $140 million Pilbara Hydrogen Hub project to create energy transition
jobs and diversify the Pilbara economy
The Cook Labor Government
is calling for applications to design the Pilbara-based Clean Energy Training and Research Institute
(CETRI), part of the $140 million Pilbara Hydrogen Hub project to set up the
region for a clean energy future.
The state-of-the-art multi-user training hub and research institute will
incorporate different training providers and research sites across both
industry and tertiary and vocational training settings.
The CETRI will focus on research and development activities, as well as
developing skills and training related to clean energy industries, including
production, transportation, storage and export of renewable hydrogen.
The Pilbara Hydrogen Hub, jointly funded by the
Cook and Albanese Governments, is expected to become operational by mid-2028, supporting
almost 1,000 direct and indirect jobs in the region.
The tender to design CETRI is open until 24 June, via the Tenders WA
website.
The milestone for CETRI follows last week's announcement that Western Australia
would be home to the nation's first Clean Energy Skills Centre of Excellence, a
$70.5 million initiative jointly funded by the State and Commonwealth
Governments.
The Clean Energy Skills Centre of Excellence and CETRI collaboration will
leverage the existing strengths of the State's TAFE
network and skill thousands of Western Australians to take up quality clean
energy jobs.
For more information on the CETRI, visit: https://www.pdc.wa.gov.au/our-focus/projects/pilbara-hydrogen-hub.aspx.
Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:
"The Pilbara is the economic engine-room of the nation, and
my Government is positioning the region as a clean energy powerhouse for the
future.
"Developing the skills we need for the clean energy jobs of
the future will help Western Australia to secure major job-creating hydrogen,
ammonia, critical minerals and renewable energy projects in the regions.
"The Clean
Energy Training and Research Institute will train Western Australians with the
skills to deliver the energy transition, keeping our economy strong for
generations to come."
Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"The state-of-the-art Clean Energy Training
and Research Institute (CETRI) will be crucial to support the establishment of
a local workforce to build and maintain a clean energy production and export
hub in the Pilbara.
"CETRI will support the creation of new
industries and employment opportunities by providing access to VET and higher
education pathways to learn and work in clean energy industries.
"Importantly, it will also help create
opportunities for Aboriginal people to have a stake in the clean energy future
across the supply chain and support the next generation of researchers and
educators.
"The Cook Government looks forward to
receiving the tender submissions and working together with our partners to
bring this visionary project to life, ensuring that the Pilbara continues to
lead in educational excellence and research innovation."
Comments attributed to Training and Workforce Development Minister
Simone McGurk:
"The exciting collaboration between the
Clean Energy Skills Centre of Excellence and CETRI will put people at the
forefront of the clean energy transition by using the existing strengths of
WA's TAFE network.
"Projections show the clean energy sector is
expected to generate around 350,000 jobs over the next 25 years.
"This collaboration, combined with other
initiatives like free and low-cost training, demonstrates the Cook Government's
commitment to increasing the number of apprentices in trades such as
electrical, plumbing and engineering - which will be at the heart of the clean
energy workforce for years to come."
Comments attributed to Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"This is an exciting time for the development of a new, renewable, green
energy industry that will transform the Pilbara's economy.
"The CETRI will enable sophisticated applied research and development
activities, utilising the expertise of the region's existing workforce and by
attracting leading academics to use world-class facilities right here in the
Pilbara."
