The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) announced funding of over $21.8 million for three key projects in a bid to accelerate the shift to electric vehicles (EVs) in Western Australia.
This investment is set to unlock a total investment of $48.4 million, signaling a significant step towards decarbonising transport infrastructure across the state, the agency said in a media release.
The funding, part of the Australian Government’s Driving the Nation Program, aims to address emissions from various sectors, ranging from industrial freight to local government fleets.
One of the major beneficiaries of ARENA’s support is Centurion, an industrial freight provider. With $15.8 million in funding, Centurion will roll out 30 battery electric trucks and 15 dual-port chargers, effectively reducing emissions from its depot in Hazelmere.
These chargers will be powered by an integrated off-grid energy system, featuring rooftop solar panels and on-site battery storage.
Patrick Terminals, the operator of Western Australia’s largest container port, has been granted $2.5 million to lower emissions at the Port of Fremantle.
This initiative will see the deployment of nine battery electric terminal trucks and related fast chargers, marking an Australian first in electrifying port operations.
Moreover, the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) will spearhead the deployment of 129 light battery electric vehicles across 22 local governments.
Supported by $3.5 million from ARENA, this initiative aims to represent 58 per cent of Western Australians, significantly contributing to reducing carbon emissions from public fleets.
Darren Miller, CEO of ARENA, emphasised the importance of these projects in showcasing the versatility and viability of EVs across various industries.
“This is exactly what ARENA’s Driving the Nation program is for; testing and demonstrating new use cases for electrical vehicles to prove the business case for low emissions transport,” Miller stressed.
Justin Cardaci, CEO of Centurion, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating that it signifies a significant step in Centurion’s decarbonisation journey.
He said, “Centurion actively seeks to deploy technology where its ready to displace the diesel transport equivalent and the ARENA funding certainly helps support the economics of this project.”
Similarly, Michael Jovicic, CEO of Patrick Terminals, hailed the initiative as a positive step towards electrification and emissions reductions in the port industry.
He underscored the importance of the project in aligning with Patrick Terminals’ commitment to decarbonising its operations while ensuring the longevity of port activities.
The funding from ARENA falls under the broader framework of the Australian Government’s Driving the Nation Fund, which aims to invest $500 million in cheaper and cleaner transport solutions.
