Major investment in WA’s energy, defence and critical minerals sectors is creating new opportunities for local suppliers. But competition for work is strong, which makes preparation and credibility crucial.
At a glance: WA’s growing energy, defence and critical minerals sectors are creating new opportunities for local suppliers. To compete successfully, businesses need to prepare early, identify where they fit in the contracting chain, build procurement relationships and demonstrate credible technical, commercial and social capability.
Geopolitical disruption has amplified demand for energy security, defence capability and renewable projects, creating opportunities for businesses ready to move into these sectors.
But there are ways to get ahead of your competition, says Industry Capability Network WA (ICNWA) Head Ray Loh.
Businesses need to understand where they fit in major project supply chains, prepare in advance of tenders going to market and show they are a credible delivery partner.
“The main message is to plan ahead and ensure you have the systems and accreditations in place to future-proof your business,” Loh said.
In this article, we unpack the key trends shaping major project supply chains, opportunities and how to position your business to win work.
READ MORE: WA Works – updates on the State’s major projects and supply chains
The opportunity pipeline
While mining and oil and gas still offered reliable opportunities, Loh said renewables, defence and critical minerals present the next wave of opportunities. Businesses should also think about how their products or services could be transferable or adapted to service adjacent sectors.
“A business that is not equipped to contract directly with a project owner may still be well placed to support an engineering contractor, equipment supplier or package winner further down the chain,” Loh said.
Renewables, storage and decarbonisation
The move towards a more secure, lower-emissions energy system is creating demand across wind, battery energy storage, transmission, substations, charging systems and industrial decarbonisation.
“These are not isolated opportunities, with the growing number of related work packages pointing to a longer-term pipeline across construction, manufacturing, installation, operations and maintenance,” Loh said.
CCIWA’s Powering WA's Future report assessed different viable pathways for how the energy transition might evolve in a WA‑specific context.
Defence is a long game
WA’s naval shipbuilding and submarine-related investment is expected to create opportunities across construction, manufacturing, operations and maintenance.
However, defence accreditations, security requirements, systems and relationships can take considerable time to establish.
“There are immense opportunities in defence. Consider increasing your capability and transitioning to the defence sector if you are not already a supplier,” Loh said.
“But it takes a lot of effort and time to get defence ready, so plan ahead and start now.”
Find your place in the contracting chain
Loh said businesses should look for opportunities beyond contracting directly with project owners.
Strategies included mapping the contracting chain, identifying package winners and determining the tier at which their capabilities, scale and delivery model were genuinely competitive.
“Gateway by ICN can help you monitor work packages and identify relevant project and procurement contacts,” he said.
“Keeping your business’ profile updated so our ICNWA consultants and project procurement teams can easily identify if your offerings suit a particular project.”
More resources
- Tendering assistance from Business Law WA – set your business up for success from the start.
- Grant Finder – a portal exclusive to CCIWA Members where you can view current available grant opportunities relevant to your business. Search for more than 875 grants worth over $63 billion.
- Capacity Investment Scheme – Federal Government revenue underwriting scheme to accelerate investment in renewable energy generation and storage capacity. The scheme aims to provide long-term certainty to investors.
How to stand out to major project proponents
Loh said project proponents’ criteria assessed more than just technical capability.
- Get involved early – register on relevant supplier platforms, attend industry briefings and begin relationships before procurement reaches the final tender stage. Early engagement can help you understand the package, ask important questions and prepare the right evidence.
- Target the right opportunity – understand the scope, contracting tier, location and delivery requirements. Pursuing work that does not fit your capacity or experience wastes resources and can damage credibility with buyers for future work.
- Be competitive, realistic and responsive – submit on time, price credibly, test capacity assumptions and raise concerns early. Proponents value suppliers who communicate clearly and deliver what they promise.
- Meet the baseline requirements – maintain the licences, accreditations, safety systems, environmental systems and core documentation relevant to the target sector. Missing a basic requirement can rule out a supplier before its technical offer is considered.
- Demonstrate values and culture alignment – show how policies and practices support local participation, First Nations engagement, gender participation, ethical conduct and community outcomes. Buyers examine whether a supplier’s conduct aligns with its own company values.
Need support?
Industry Capability Network WA connects local suppliers with opportunities across mining, energy, construction, infrastructure and defence.
The team can help your business identify relevant projects, strengthen submissions, understand your position in the supply chain and build relationships with procurement decision-makers.
Learn more about ICNWA and Gateway by ICN, or contact us on 08 9365 7623 or at [email protected].
