WA wind energy manufacturing investment programme launched

Western Australian businesses can join the wind energy manufacturing supply chain with the help of a new co-investment programme which could cover up to 50% of eligible project costs.

The Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program is a co-investment and advice programme co-created by the WA Government and the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre with $8 million allocated by the state to enhance local businesses’ capacity and capability in wind energy, manufacturing and servicing supply chains.

Priority areas include the manufacturing of wind tower foundations, anchor cages, nacelle components and assembly, transmission poles, specialised transport trailers, as well as capacity building for replacement parts and servicing, and refurbishing centres.

WA Science Minister Stephen Dawson (pictured) said: “Supporting local businesses to engage in the wind energy supply chains positions the state to reap the benefits of the energy transition while also supporting our economic diversification.

“The co-investment programme is designed to provide support to businesses at different stages of their journey.

“Whether it’s helping new businesses to upgrade their accreditations or assisting companies to pivot or scale their operations, this funding will play a crucial role in enhancing our State’s advanced manufacturing capabilities.”

The co-investment programme consists of two streams:

• The market entry stream: Capability-focused, indicative project size $20K-$60K (co-investment contribution $10K-$30K). This stream supports pre-qualification and accreditation processes, niche software and process improvement
• And the market growth stream: capacity and capability focused, including capital and/or operating expenditure. Indicative project size $500K-$1 million (Co-investment contribution $250K-$500K). This stream supports plant and equipment enhancement (up to 25 percent of total project cost), R&D projects to create a competitive advantage, and associated investment in ‘market entry’ projects.

Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre Managing Director Dr Jens Goennemann said, “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 broader, and more capable manufacturing base while serving domestic renewable energy needs.”

Applications to the Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program will be open, continuous, and competitive until available funding has been exhausted.

Manufacturers interested in applying for funds under either of the two streams can register to attend in-person information sessions as well as access written guidelines and a pre-recorded webinar here.

Picture: WA Science Minister Stephen Dawson