Western Australia’s manufacturing and clean energy capabilities are being placed at the centre of a three-day investment mission to South Korea, with the state government seeking to strengthen industrial and energy partnerships with one of its largest trading partners.
The Western Australian Government said Energy, Decarbonisation and Manufacturing Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson will highlight the State’s “first-class renewable energy resources and advanced manufacturing opportunities” during meetings with major Korean industry groups, including POSCO, Samsung C&T and LX International.
In a news release, the government said the visit is aimed at promoting opportunities in battery manufacturing, green iron and steel, and transmission infrastructure.
According to the government, the mission is intended to deepen long-standing economic ties and support efforts to diversify Western Australia’s economy.
The state said discussions will focus on cooperation across green iron, green ammonia utilisation, and carbon capture, utilisation and storage, along with regulatory reforms and decarbonisation initiatives it says are increasing WA’s investment attractiveness.
South Korea is Western Australia’s third-largest trading partner, with companies such as POSCO, KOGAS, Samsung C&T and LG Chem maintaining substantial investment and trade relationships in the State.
The government said the visit will build on the Memorandum of Understanding signed in September 2024 with South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, which outlines collaboration in clean energy, critical minerals, renewable hydrogen and industrial decarbonisation.
The Minister will also promote the Energy Exchange Australia 2026 conference, scheduled to take place in Perth in March 2026.
Minister Sanderson said the visit forms part of Western Australia’s push to demonstrate its role in supporting regional energy transition efforts.
“Our drive to decarbonise and diversify our economy as we make WA a renewable energy powerhouse offers opportunities for our trading neighbours, including South Korea,” she said.
She added that the state is seeking to expand collaboration across priority sectors. “We are looking to forge new and beneficial partnerships in areas including green iron, green ammonia, and carbon capture, utilisation and storage.”
Sanderson said WA is prepared to present its capabilities to partners in the region. “Our State is ready to showcase its world-class capabilities. South Korea’s expertise and investment will play a key role in driving our clean energy transition,” she said.
