- Conditional grant funding of $33.6 million to five major decarbonisation projects in WA
- Funding from Lower Carbon Grants Program (LCG) - Gorgon Fund
- LCG fund supports local innovators with capital to scale their business
- Each project works towards decarbonising the State
A radical new model showcasing how Western Australia's remote communities can produce their own power and reduce reliance on diesel generators will receive $5 million in conditional grant funding so it can be progressed to the next level.
Innovation and the Digital Economy Minister Stephen Dawson said this was one of five major projects in WA to win conditional grant funding from the $33.6 million Lower Carbon Grants (LCG) - Gorgon Fund.
Another project is set to convert 40,000 hectares of mesquite weed in the Pilbara into biochar -it is expected to be one of the world's largest biochar carbon dioxide removals.
The Lower Carbon Grants program is one of the ways the Cook Government funds innovation in the decarbonisation sector it assists the Diversify WA: Future Statevision to move forward to a more sustainable and diversified economy.
Following a competitive expression of interest process which saw over 30 applications, five developments have been approved for conditional grant funding.
The projects cover a range of sectors including hydrogen, Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) and hard to abate sectors.
The LCG program offered funding between $5 to $15 million forlarge research and innovation activities across industries that significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions or test, demonstrate and deploy technologies that support lower carbon projects.
It was also available for innovators who can offer industry translatable solutions which have the potential to solve issues in current supply chains.
The program is part of a four-year $40 million funding agreement between the WA Government and the Chevron-operated Gorgon Project, which is funded by the Gorgon Joint Venture.
For more information see: Lower Carbon Grants Program - Gorgon Fund recipients .
As stated by Innovation and the Digital Economy Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 is a key priority for the Cook Government and we are exploring and supporting innovative programs that are working towards this goal.
"Congratulations to the successful applicants for the Lower Carbon Grants Program - Gorgon Fund, this program has seen a great deal of competition, and it is amazing to see the projects on offer.
"These projects have the potential to divert over 1.5 million tonnes of carbon emission each year, the equivalent of taking over 400,000 vehicles off the road.
"The LCG program is another way our Government continues to progress towards decarbonisation across the state and a cleaner future for us all."
As stated by Chevron Australia energy transition general manager David Fallon, on behalf of the Gorgon Joint Venture:
"The Gorgon Joint Venture is pleased to be a founding contributor to the State Government's Lower Carbon Grants Program - Gorgon Fund which includes the GreenTech Hub.
"This initiative builds on Western Australia's already significant role as a global energy provider.
"Partnership and collaboration between governments and industry can only help grow critical technologies for the future to help meet the world's energy and climate goals."
Lower Carbon Grant - Gorgon Fund recipients:
Applicant |
Project name |
Funding amount |
Biomass Projects Pty Ltd |
Mardie Char Project - Phase 1 |
$8,600,000 |
Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation |
Djarindjin Community Power |
$5,000,000 |
Yara Pilbara Fertilisers Pty Ltd |
The Yara Pilbara CCS Project |
$8,600,000 |
CSIRO |
Carbon Capture Material Acceleration Centre (CCMAC) |
$5,000,000 |
Hazer Group Ltd |
Hazer Process - Low Carbon Emission Hydrogen and Graphite Production Process |
$6,100,000 |
