The Western Australian (WA) Government has unveiled the Green Energy Approvals Initiative, streamlining a simplified approach for environmental assessments that would shorten project approval timelines.
The $22.5 million commitment announced last year would modernise the State’s approach to environmental approvals while providing coordinated, cross-government support to project proponents and investors.
According to the WA Government, the Green Energy Approvals Initiative promotes investment in wind and solar power generators, renewable hydrogen sectors, lithium mining, critical minerals processing, and green energy product manufacturing such as batteries, electrolysers, solar panels, and wind turbines.
“This new, streamlined approvals pathway will ensure Western Australia continues to be a destination of choice for renewable industry investors,” Premier Roger Cook said.
Premier Cook stated that the initiative would drive the green industries boom in the State, supporting local jobs and a strong economy into the future.
“It will draw new investment and improve our renewable energy credentials while ensuring the environment is protected for future generations,” Premier Cook added.
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation is now assessing or regulating more than 40 green energy projects, with further 30-plus applications scheduled to be referred for assessment over the next 12 months.
The new program will target a considerable number of these projects in the coming weeks to allow procedures to be trialled and refined.
Renewable hydrogen proposals account for most green energy projects in the evaluation pipeline. Wind energy, lithium mining, and critical minerals processing plans are also included.
“This unique cross-agency collaborative framework has created the right environment for hydrogen and renewable energy production, which will play a significant role in bringing us closer to a carbon neutral State,” Hydrogen Industry Minister Bill Johnston said.
A Green Energy Major Projects Group is being formed under the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science, and Innovation to assist projects and investors in navigating government processes.
The development of a Green Energy Expert Panel comprised of government and industry will provide the independent Environmental Protection Authority with the knowledge required to expedite permits.
According to the State Government, the commitment has seen qualified applicants sought from national and international markets, with recruitment nearing completion.
“Our vision is for Western Australia to become a world leader in renewable energy without compromising our State’s unique biodiversity,” Environment Minister Reece Whitby said.
“Green energy projects are critical to our renewable energy transition. This is the next step to support industries in their contribution to global efforts to decarbonise our economy,” Minister Whitby added.
