- 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.
As stated by 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.”
As stated by 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.”
As stated by 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.”
