WA Government engages the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre to drive WA wind turbine manufacturing capability
The Western Australian (WA) Government will partner with the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) to drive manufacturing activity in the wind energy sector.
Under the Wind Turbine Manufacturing Initiative, the WA Government has allocated $8 million in the 2024-25 State Budget to establish an industry support program administered by AMGC to enhance the capacity and capability of local businesses to participate in wind turbine manufacturing and servicing supply chains.
Through the Agreement, the WA Government in collaboration with AMGC will deliver financial and non-financial support to WA businesses to enhance their participation in wind energy supply chains and to power up WA’s energy manufacturing capabilities.
The agreement follows recommendations from an independent feasibility study by Aurecon, commissioned by the WA State Government. The study highlights the State’s advanced manufacturing capability and highly transferable skills stemming from multiple sectors including defence, resources and energy.
The initiative aims to support WA businesses’ prequalification processes with wind turbine componentry for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), the upgrade of plant and equipment, and provision of professional advice.
Minister Assisting the Minister for State and Industry Development, Jobs and Trade Stephen Dawson said, “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,
“We have a growing number of onshore wind farms in WA which represents a significant opportunity for our local advanced manufacturing industry. We want to provide funding and opportunity for these local businesses to supply parts to projects across our State, and across the nation, which will ultimately increase their competitiveness in local and global markets.” Said Dawson.
In 2023, wind accounted for 33.9% of Australia’s renewable power generation and this is expected to increase significantly in coming years. Unlocking further opportunities for local manufacturing in the wind energy supply chain will help to create local jobs, strengthen the economy and play an important role in the State’s clean energy transition.
AMGC, Managing Director Dr Jens Goennemann said “The agreement between the WA Government and AMGC will accelerate new opportunities for Western Australian manufacturers. AMGC is honored to be entrusted with such a forward leaning initiative.”
“Being able to make complex things is the single most promising capability we have to unlock Australia’s Net Zero ambitions. Together, the Western Australian Government and AMGC will be working to encourage local manufacturers to leverage their capabilities and turn them towards the wind generation industry, thus generating more jobs, prosperity, and green energy for WA.” Said Goennemann.
Manufacturers operating in Western Australia or seeking to establish a manufacturing business in Western Australia can register their interest in wind energy supply chains participation via https://www.amgc.org.au/news/wind-energy-supply-chain/
Following registration, manufacturers will be kept up to date with news including events and potential funding opportunities.
AMGC is an industry-led organisation focused on transforming Australia’s manufacturing industry by supporting innovation, commercialisation and collaboration. AMGC will establish a WA presence and leverage its extensive experience to support WA businesses.
Over the past seven years, AMGC has facilitated more than 400 national collaborations and co-funded over 141 industry projects, while creating more than 4,300 jobs across the country. It has invested over $137 million of combined industry and Government funds into manufacturing projects, resulting in an estimated $1.62 billion in additional national revenue.
