A new collaboration between the Western Australian Government and Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) will allow businesses to apply for co-investments to cover up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs.
The $8 million funding for the Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-investment Program is allocated by the Western Australian Government under the initiative to enhance local businesses’ capacity and capability in wind energy, manufacturing and servicing supply chains.
Priority areas include the manufacturing of wind tower foundations, anchor cages, nacelle components and assembly, transmission poles, specialised trailers (transport), as well as capacity building for replacement parts and servicing, and refurbishing centres.
Western Australian Minister for Science, Stephen Dawson, said, “The Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program is a testament to our commitment to creating a sustainable future for Western Australia.
“Supporting local businesses to engage in the wind energy supply chains positions the state to reap the benefits of the energy transition while also supporting our economic diversification.”
Mr Dawson said the co-investment program is designed to provide support to businesses at different stages of their journey.
“Whether it’s helping new businesses to upgrade their accreditations or assisting companies to pivot or scale their operations, this funding will play a crucial role in enhancing our state’s advanced manufacturing capabilities.”
The co-investment program consists of two streams:
- Market entry stream: Capability focused, indicative project size $20,000–$60,000 (co-investment contribution $10,000–$30,000). This stream supports pre-qualification and accreditation processes, niche software, process improvement and alike.
- Market growth stream: capacity and capability focused, including capital and/or operating expenditure. Indicative project size $500,000–$1 million (Co-investment contribution $250,000–$500,000). This stream supports plant and equipment enhancement (up to 25 per cent of total project cost), R&D projects to create a competitive advantage, and associated investment in ‘market entry’ projects.
Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre Managing Director, Jens Goennemann, said Western Australia is home to very skilled manufacturers currently engaging in the mining, minerals and energy space.
“The Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program will focus on identifying local capabilities that can be turned towards opportunities in wind energy generation.
“In doing so, the Western Australian Government and manufacturers will develop a broader, and more capable manufacturing base while serving domestic renewable energy needs,” Dr Goennemann said.
Applications to the Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program will be open, continuous, and competitive until available funding has been exhausted.
Manufacturers interested in applying for funds under either of the two program streams can register to attend in-person information sessions as well as access written guidelines and a pre-recorded webinar via https://www.amgc.org.au/wind-energy-program/
Program details, eligibility criteria and application portal can also be found at www.amgc.org.au/wind-energy-program/
