The Western Australian Government is calling on local manufacturers and industry stakeholders to help shape the future of transmission manufacturing and servicing capability across Western Australia.
The Department of Energy and Economic Diversification (DEED) has opened a request for information process aimed at identifying current capabilities, gaps, and opportunities for targeted government support to strengthen local industry and jobs.
Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the initiative is central to the State’s clean energy ambitions.
“Western Australia is undergoing a once-in-a-generation transformation of its energy system, and building local capability in transmission manufacturing is critical to making that transition a success,” she said.
The engagement follows the release of the South West Interconnected System Transmission Plan, which sets out a blueprint for new and upgraded infrastructure to support WA’s renewable energy future.
The government said the RFI process would ensure that WA businesses are positioned to contribute to this transition while competing on national and international fronts.
“We want to make sure WA businesses are in the best possible position to secure work from this growing pipeline of projects, creating local jobs, strengthening and diversifying our industrial base and ensuring the State captures maximum benefits from the energy transition,” Sanderson said.
As part of the Made in WA Plan, the State Government said it has committed $75 million to growing local transmission manufacturing supply chains, including in Picton and Forrestfield.
The government said this is in addition to the more than $1.6 billion already allocated to upgrades on Western Power’s transmission network, including the Clean Energy Link – North project.
The minister noted industry input would provide valuable insights into how the government can tailor its support.
“This RFI allows us to enhance our understanding of the State’s existing capabilities and structure our support to grasp the opportunities and position WA as a leader in transmission manufacturing to support the clean energy transition,” she said.
Local businesses, industry representatives, and organisations involved in or interested in entering transmission manufacturing supply chains are encouraged to make submissions via DEED’s Citizen Space Consultation Hub.
More information is available at wa.gov.au.
