The Western Australian (WA) Government is partnering with the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) to bolster the state’s wind energy sector through an $8 million Wind Turbine Manufacturing Initiative.
This program, outlined in the 2024-25 State Budget, aims to enhance the capabilities of local businesses to participate in wind turbine manufacturing and servicing supply chains, the organisation said in a news release.
The agreement, based on recommendations from an independent feasibility study by Aurecon, will provide both financial and non-financial support to WA businesses.
The initiative seeks to strengthen the state’s manufacturing capabilities by leveraging highly transferable skills from various sectors, including defence, resources, and energy.
Minister Assisting the Minister for State and Industry Development, Jobs and Trade Stephen Dawson emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating, “The Cook Government is harnessing the power of wind to support our manufacturing industry to enter new supply chains and boost WA’s transition to a renewable future. We are quite literally blown away with the wider range of opportunities that this landmark agreement with the AMGC could bring to Western Australia, to strengthen our economy and create more jobs.”
The AMGC reported that in 2023, wind energy contributed 33.9 per cent to Australia’s renewable power generation, a figure set to increase significantly.
The initiative will aid local businesses in prequalifying processes for wind turbine componentry for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), upgrading plant and equipment, and obtaining professional advice.
Dawson further highlighted the economic potential, “We have a growing number of onshore wind farms in WA, representing a significant opportunity for our local advanced manufacturing industry.”
He continued, “We want to provide funding and opportunities for these local businesses to supply parts to projects across our State and the nation, ultimately increasing their competitiveness in local and global markets.”
Meanwhile, Dr Jens Goennemann, managing director of AMGC, shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration, “The agreement between the WA Government and AMGC will accelerate new opportunities for Western Australian manufacturers.”
“Together, the Western Australian Government and AMGC will work to encourage local manufacturers to leverage their capabilities and turn them towards the wind generation industry, generating more jobs, prosperity, and green energy for WA,” Goennemann concluded.
For more details and registration, visit: AMGC Wind Energy Supply Chain.
