Western Australian Government and Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre launch wind energy manufacturing co-investment program
Western Australian businesses seeking to participate in the local wind energy manufacturing supply chain can apply for co-investment, which can cover up to 50% of eligible project costs, under the Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program.
The funds will be made available through a co-investment and advice program co-created by the WA Government and AMGC, with $8m allocated by the WA Government under the initiative to enhance local businesses’ capacity and capability in wind energy, manufacturing and servicing supply chains.
Priority areas include manufacturing wind tower foundations, anchor cages, nacelle components and assembly, transmission poles, specialised trailers (transport), capacity building for replacement parts and servicing and refurbishing centres.
“The Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program is a testament to our commitment to creating a sustainable future for Western Australia,” said WA Science Minister Stephen Dawson. “Supporting local businesses to engage in the wind energy supply chains positions the state to reap the benefits of the energy transition while supporting our economic diversification.
“Whether it’s helping new businesses to upgrade their accreditations or assisting companies to pivot or scale their operations, this funding will play a crucial role in enhancing our State’s advanced manufacturing capabilities.” Said Dawson.
The co-investment program consists of two streams:
o Market entry stream: Capability-focused, indicative project size $20K-$60K (co-investment contribution $10K-$30K). This stream supports pre-qualification and accreditation processes, niche software, process improvement, etc.
o Market growth stream: capacity and capability focused, including capital and/or operating expenditure. Indicative project size $500K-$1m (Co-investment contribution $250K-$500K). This stream supports plant and equipment enhancement (up to 25% of total project cost), R&D projects to create a competitive advantage, and associated investment in ‘market entry’ projects.
The managing director of the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre, Dr Jens Goennemann said, “Western Australia is home to very skilled manufacturers currently engaged in the mining, minerals, and energy space.
“The Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program will focus on identifying local capabilities that can be turned towards opportunities in wind energy generation. In doing so, the WA Government and manufacturers will develop a broader and more capable manufacturing base while serving domestic renewable energy needs,” said Goennemann.
Applications to the Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program will be open, continuous, and competitive until available funding has been exhausted.
Manufacturers interested in applying for funds under either of the two program streams can register to attend in-person information sessions as well as access written guidelines and a pre-recorded webinar via https://www.amgc.org.au/wind-energy-program/
Over the past eight years, AMGC has facilitated more than 500 national collaborations and co-funded over 161 industry projects, creating more than 4,300 jobs nationwide. It has invested over $137m of combined industry and Government funds into manufacturing projects, resulting in an estimated $1.62bn in additional national revenue.