- New teams to assess critical minerals, hydrogen
and renewable energy projects
- Cook Government committed
to streamlining approvals for proponents and investors
- Focus on developments
that will decarbonise and diversify WA's industrial landscape
- Protection of WA's
environment fundamental to success of new framework
A new green energy approvals team is now operating, kickstarting a streamlined
pathway for environmental assessments that will reduce project approval
timeframes.
The
$22.5 million commitment announced last year will overhaul the State's approach
to environmental approvals while delivering coordinated, cross-government support for proponents
and investors.
The Green Energy
Approvals Initiative is driving investment in wind and solar power generators, renewable hydrogen
industries, lithium mining, critical minerals processing as well as manufacturing
green energy products such as batteries, electrolysers, solar panels and wind
turbines.
More than 40 green energy
projects are currently being assessed or regulated by the Department of Water
and Environmental Regulation with a further 30-plus proposals expected to be
referred for assessment over the next 12 months.
A significant number of these
projects will be targeted by the new initiative in the coming weeks to allow
processes to be trialled and optimised.
Renewable hydrogen proposals
make up the largest number of green energy projects in the assessment pipeline.
Wind energy, lithium mining and critical minerals processing proposals also
represent a significant portion.
A Green Energy
Major Projects Group is being established within the Department
of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation as a first point of contact to
help steer projects and investors through government processes.
The creation of a
Green Energy Expert Panel comprising of government and industry will provide
the independent Environmental Protection Authority with the information needed
to progress approvals in a timely manner.
This unprecedented State Government commitment has seen suitable
candidates sourced from national and international markets with recruitment
nearing completion.
Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:
"This new,
streamlined approvals pathway will ensure Western Australia continues to be a
destination of choice for renewable industry investors.
"The whole-of-government Green Energy
Approvals Initiative will drive the green industries boom in WA, supporting
local jobs and a strong economy into the future.
"It will draw new investment and improve our renewable energy
credentials while ensuring the environment is protected for future generations."
Comments attributed to Environment Minister
Reece Whitby:
"Delivering faster decisions on renewable
energy projects needed a creative solution. I'm proud of the unique
cross-agency model we have developed.
"Our vision is for Western Australia to become a world leader
in renewable energy without compromising our State's unique biodiversity.
"Green energy projects are critical to our renewable energy
transition. This is the next step to support industries in
their contribution to global efforts to decarbonise our economy."
Comments attributed to Hydrogen Industry
Minister Bill Johnston:
"Our Government is
committed to ensuring Western Australia becomes a world leader in the emerging
hydrogen industry.
"This unique cross-agency collaborative framework has created
the right environment
for hydrogen and renewable energy production, which will play a significant
role in bringing us closer to a carbon neutral State."
