WA Accelerates Green Technology Push
Western Australia fast-tracks its transition to a low-carbon economy as the government opens the new GreenTech Hub in Perth’s inner city. The government has launched this $4 million facility, led by Curtin University, to connect local innovators, industry leaders, policymakers, and major companies.
Government Shows Commitment to Clean Energy
Western Australia’s GreenTech Hub
Innovation Centre Targets Key Energy Challenges
The GreenTech Hub will deliver innovation challenges and accelerate progress in renewable energy. The facility’s first challenge focuses on advanced energy storage, aiming to reduce fossil fuel dependence by fostering alternative power solutions in remote areas. Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation, Amber-Jade Sanderson, stated, “With Western Australia committed to getting out of coal faster than any other state, it is fitting that the GreenTech hub’s first challenge is working to find the energy answers of the future.”
Massive Funding Powers Transformation
The GreenTech Hub represents one part of a $40 million partnership with the Chevron-operated Gorgon Joint Venture. This venture includes major companies such as ExxonMobil, Shell, Osaka Gas, Tokyo Gas, and JERA. Federal support is evident as the Murchison Green Hydrogen Project received A$814 million in incentives under the Hydrogen Headstart program. The project, centred 20 kilometres north of Kalbarri, plans to use solar and wind power to generate 900,000 tonnes of green ammonia annually — almost half of Australia’s current fossil fuel-based ammonia output. Construction will provide 3,600 jobs, with 600 ongoing roles after launch.
Battery Storage and Grid Expansion
Western Australia strengthens its grid with battery storage. Four large battery projects with a combined 654 MW capacity are underway. The Kwinana Battery Energy Storage System now stabilises the South West Interconnected System, which supplies electricity to over 85% of the state’s population.
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Investments Drive Shift Away from Coal
The Western Australian Government has committed $5 billion to the decommissioning of all state-owned coal-fired power generation by 2030. The second large-scale battery (800 MWh) has already gone online in December 2024. In 2035, the government anticipates that more than 90 percent of the grid capacity will be produced by renewable energy with increased investment by the government and individuals. More than 40 percent of the households in Western Australia are fitted with rooftop solar. In Western Australia, the electric vehicle charging system currently stretches to 7,000 km in coverage, enabling low-emission travelling around the state.
Regulatory Reforms Accelerate Project Development
The Environmental Protection Amendment Act 2024 brings significant changes to the approval process for green projects. Premier Roger Cook’s government acts swiftly to break longstanding bottlenecks. The reforms unlock investment, stimulate job creation, and foster industry partnerships, especially with First Nations communities.
Industry and Community Respond to Climate Goals
Western Australia’s interim 2030 greenhouse gas target requires an 80% reduction below 2020 levels. The government plans to reach net zero by 2050 and has ceased commercial native forest logging. The state has also issued its inaugural green bonds to attract capital to renewable projects.
Outlook for Green Technology
Innovations, such as AI, IoT, and cloud-based websites, are expected to contribute to the global green technology and sustainability market, which will reach $73.9 billion by 2030. Investments in clean energy investments pass oil and gas spending in 2025, and solar photovoltaic provides more than half of the new capacity.
The challenge of energy sustainability in the long term, decarbonisation through clean technology adoption, and global clean technology export with economic backing to the local community in Western Australia are some of the strategic priorities of Western Australia.
