Recently Re-elected Labor’s Electric Promises
Will recently re-elected Labor keep their word regarding their $259 million renewable manufacturing package? If so, there are great years ahead for locally produced WA renewable energy.
In mid-February, the McGowan led Labour Party promised WA a $259 million renewable manufacturing package, including talk of creating hundreds of manufacturing and green jobs, 1,000 standalone power systems to be manufactured and installed around WA and $10 million towards the manufacturing of wind turbines in Western Australia.
Did this massive pre-election promise include any solar-based solutions? Yes, there is some pretty big solar news included in the foreseen package.
The package features a $218 million investment to manufacture and install more than 1,000 standalone power systems in regional WA over the next five years.
These proposed 1,000 standalone power systems will create a baseline demand for locally manufactured power systems, including solar panels, batteries and hydrogen electrolysers — driving hundreds of local manufacturing jobs and putting WA at the forefront of high-tech industries.
More solar panel powered power stations in WA? Yes please!
The systems will be installed across the regions and in remote Aboriginal communities, to reduce the reliance on diesel, stabilise networks, and support local jobs.
Also, the McGowan Labor Government is planning on delivering Australia’s first renewable hydrogen microgrid at Denham, an example of the integration of standalone power systems in regional areas.
Horizon Power and Western Power will deliver the program, which will be declared a Strategic Project under the WA Jobs Act to ensure local manufacturers are part of the project. Score!
A small energy industry development team will also be established to work with local renewable energy manufacturers and the mining industry to accelerate the transition to renewables on remote mine sites.
Here at MLEC Solar we are massive supporters of renewable energy innovations and initiatives and have our fingers crossed that not only these above plans come to fruition, but, as WA’s leading solar experts, we hope to be involved somehow with the installs!
