WA launches $4m GreenTech Hub

The WA GreenTech Hub has formally launched with the aim of strengthening local capability and capacity in green technologies and services across the state.

Led by Curtin University Institute for Energy Transition, the stand-alone facility will leverage expertise and oversee collaborations between government, industry, academia and the community by hosting innovation challenges and Curtin’s Accelerate program.

The hub’s innovation challenges aim to address an industry challenge and develop solutions through expanding WA’s green technology ecosystem by connecting existing and emerging innovators.

The first innovation challenge the hub will focus on is advanced energy storage systems aimed at reducing reliance on fossil fuels and simultaneously decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.

The hub itself is part of a four year $40m lower carbon grants program and GreenTech Hub funding agreement between the WA Government and the Gorgon project, operated by Chevron on Barrow Island.

WA Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson says WA has extraordinary natural advantages from solar and wind to critical minerals and advanced logistics.

“The GreenTech Hub is set to connect innovative solutions to challenges, linking unique WA contexts with global markets and innovation pathways,” he said.

The hub has established industry partnerships with Fortescue (ASX: FMG), BP, ATCO, Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and others across the green technology value chain.

WA Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson says WA’s clean energy transition is also an economic transition, delivering opportunities through economic growth and diversification.

“Successfully developing advanced energy storage systems could reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and provide alternative power solutions, particularly in remote areas, while also creating a new energy industry,” she said.