- Cook Government unveils $8 million program to propel onshore wind energy manufacturing
- Co-investment between Government and Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre to boost WA manufacturing capability in wind energy supply chains
- Program to provide up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs
The Cook Government is set to propel local manufacturing businesses into supporting the wind energy supply chain through the launch of a new $8 million co-investment program.
Minister Assisting the State and Industry Development, Jobs and Trade Minister Stephen Dawson said wind energy businesses can apply for up to 50 per cent co-investment funding under the Government's new Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program.
Both financial and non-financial support is being made available through the co-investment program, created by the State Government and the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC).
Priority areas include the manufacturing of wind tower foundations, anchor cages, nacelle components and assembly, transmission poles and specialised trailers (transport), as well as capacity building for replacement parts, servicing and refurbishing centres.
The co-investment program consists of two streams:
- Market entry: capability focused with an indicative project size of between $20,000-$60,000 (requiring a co-investment contribution of up to $30,000). This stream is designed to support pre-qualification and accreditation processes, niche software, process improvement and alike; and
- Market growth: capacity and capability focused, including capital and/or operating expenditure. Indicative project size is between $500,000-$1 million (requiring a co-investment contribution of up to $500,000). This stream supports plant and equipment enhancement (up to 25 per cent of total project cost), research and development projects designed to create a competitive advantage and associated investment in 'market entry' projects.
Applications to the Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program will be open until available funding has been exhausted.
Manufacturers interested in applying for funds under either of the two program streams can register to attend in-person information sessions, as well as access written guidelines and a pre-recorded informational webinar.
Program details, eligibility criteria and the application portal can be found at: https://www.amgc.org.au/news/wind-energy-supply-chain/ .
As stated by the Minister Assisting the State and Industry Development, Jobs and Trade Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The wind energy business presents enormous opportunities in manufacturing and the Cook Government is keen to propel prospective businesses along this pathway with supportive funding.
"Our new Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program is testament to this commitment to create a sustainable future for Western Australia with a new range of manufacturing businesses.
"By supporting local businesses to engage in the wind energy supply chain this positions our State to reap the benefits of the energy transition as well as support our economic diversification.
"The co-investment program is designed to provide staged support to businesses whether it's helping them to upgrade their accreditations or assist them to pivot or scale their operations - this funding will play a crucial role in boosting WA's advanced manufacturing capabilities."
As stated by Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre managing director Dr Jens Goennemann:
"Western Australia is home to very skilled manufacturers currently engaging in the mining, minerals, and energy space.
"The Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program will focus on identifying local capabilities that can be turned towards opportunities in wind energy generation.
"In doing so, the WA Government and manufacturers will develop a more manufacturing base whilst serving domestic renewable energy needs."
