The State Government has launched a new industry consultation process to help guide Western Australia’s future energy needs – a move that CCIWA says will give business a critical voice in the State’s energy transition.
Announced off the back of this month’s Trade and Economic Resilience Roundtable, held in partnership with CCIWA and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA, the consultation will engage WA industry to better understand its current and future energy requirements.
The initiative will inform a comprehensive assessment of the State’s industrial energy needs.
Industry calls for investment certainty
WA Premier Roger Cook and key ministers at the Trade and Economic Resilience Roundtable.
CCIWA welcomed the consultation, saying the business community would be “very encouraged” by the Government’s swift response to the roundtable’s outcomes.
“A clear theme from the robust discussion was around the need for energy security to attract investment and boost WA’s competitiveness,” it said.
“There will be significant opportunities for WA as a result of the energy transition, but it’s vital that industry has certainty around supply cost and reliability to allow them to make long-term investment decisions.”
CCIWA said transmission infrastructure and policy settings were central to major investment decisions and should reflect the needs of businesses both large and small.
The consultation process will inform the State’s broader transition to cleaner and more reliable energy sources, amid rising demand and industrial decarbonisation.
Govt commits to industry engagement
WA Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the review would support the Government’s economic diversification and local manufacturing agenda.
“I look forward to working closely with industry over the coming months to ensure we can create the right policy settings around energy infrastructure, market rules and the role played by our State-owned energy utilities,” she said.
The initiative builds on the WA Government’s existing work to decarbonise the South West Interconnected System and position the State as a global clean energy leader.
Consultation will involve industry stakeholders across major processing, manufacturing and resource sectors.
CCIWA will work closely with its diverse membership base – including small businesses, manufacturers and major exporters – to have a seat at the table for these discussions.
Invest and Trade WA has launched a register of interest for WA companies to express interest in joining future government-led initiatives such as industry delegations, global accelerator programs, international trade exhibitions and market insight webinars. Find out more here.
To be part of WA’s peak business organisation, get in touch via 1300 422 492 or [email protected].
