Pilbara, the engine room for regional decarbonisation: King
Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King has addressed the Pilbara 2023 Conference, calling WA’s northwest region the decarbonisation “engine room” of the State and for the Indo-Pacific region.
As a globally significant resources region, Pilbara represents around 19% of WA’s gross state product, 3.4% of Australia’s gross domestic product and 33% of national exports, according to Minister King.
“But it also accounts for significant emissions,” she said.
“It is estimated that industry in WA accounts for 35% of National Safeguard Facility emissions – and the WA Government estimates the Pilbara region alone accounts for about 23% of WA’s emissions.
“It’s also fair to say that deployment of renewable energy in the Pilbara is less advanced in comparison with other Australian energy networks.
“Less than 2% of electricity is generated from renewables in this region.”
Minister King says a new agreement between the Federal Government and the WA Government under the Rewiring the Nation program will provide up to $3b to expand and modernise electricity grids in the southwest and northwest networks in WA.
This agreement is expected to support about 1800 construction jobs and opening further projects across WA.
The Federal Government is also investing in common user infrastructure, such as the $565m grant towards common user port upgrades at Port Lumsden and Dampier in the Pilbara.
“This will help the Pilbara capitalise on the forecast growth in demand for minerals key to the battery and electric vehicle markets, and in green hydrogen,” Minister King said.
“Other investments include $95m to support 10,000 New Energy Apprenticeships for metal fitters and machinists, structural steel and welding, electricians and motor mechanics.
“All these skills will be needed in the effort to decarbonise.”
The global demand for WA’s critical minerals has led to increased demand for gas to process them.
The Federal Government is granting carbon, capture and storage acreage and developing a reputable carbon credits system to help the gas industry reduce its emissions.
