WA Government awards BSSP a lead agency status

The Western Australian (WA) Government has granted lead agency status to the Bristol Springs Renewable Energy Project (BSSP), Frontier Energy Limited announced. 

In a statement, Frontier said the status acknowledges the significance of BSSP in developing Western Australia‘s renewable energy industry, particularly creating a green hydrogen industry.

The Lead Agency Framework is intended to guarantee that proponents are successfully directed through approvals processes, understand what is expected of them, and do not fall between the cracks. As established for BSSP, Lead Agency Case Management support is only provided to projects critical to the State.

The Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation (JTSI) is the BSSP’s lead agency and the primary interface between the Government and the company. JTSI participation entails the following responsibilities:

• Negotiating and overseeing agreements between large developers and the WA Government;
• Promoting exports from WA and luring international capital into the state’s economy; and
• Establishing and organising infrastructure and initiatives of State importance.

Frontier has been awarded Lead Agency Case Management status for at least the next three years.

Managing Director Sam Lee Mohan said being designated as a lead agency is a strong endorsement from the WA Government, highlighting the importance of the Project not only for the State’s renewable energy policy but also for the domestic hydrogen industry.

“This status ensures if there is any “red tape” adversely impacting the development of the Project, JTSI will help Frontier to navigate and find successful outcomes. It also ensures that when the State is promoting Western Australia’s renewable energy and hydrogen strategy to a global audience, the Bristol Springs project will now be front and centre,” Mohan stated.

According to Mohan, Frontier looks forward to working closely with JTSI not just during Stage One’s development but also in the long term as it aims for total renewable energy output in the region of up to 1GW.

“We would also like to thank the Western Australian Government for their ongoing commitment to this Project and the development of this critical industry overall,” Mohan added.