UPDATE: Premier Roger Cook has called on the industry to take immediate action in Western Australia’s energy transition, as delays in the planning process have raised concerns. The deadline for a comprehensive “whole of system plan” for WA’s energy grid has been quietly pushed back by two years, leaving many questioning the state’s commitment to moving away from coal by 2030.
In a speech delivered at the Chamber of Minerals and Energy’s Premier’s Industry Lunch, Cook emphasized the urgency of the situation. “If we are to become a renewable energy powerhouse, in a net zero by 2050 world, we need you to act, to lean in,” he stated. His remarks come just a day after The West Australian reported on the significant delay in planning, prompting criticisms from both the Opposition and the Greens.
Cook acknowledged the complexities inherent in the transition, admitting, “That process is not going to be clean, it’s not going to be linear, it’s not going to be without its complications.” He urged industry leaders to secure early off-take agreements that would enable renewable energy projects to move forward swiftly. “They need customers. You need energy,” he stressed.
However, criticisms have surfaced regarding the Premier’s approach. Greens MP Brad Pettit labeled Cook’s request for industry involvement as a “cop-out.” He stated, “The Premier needs to stop asking corporations to do his job. It’s the role of government to set renewable energy targets.”
Shadow Energy Minister Steve Thomas expressed doubts about WA’s ability to transition from coal by 2030, citing the delayed planning as detrimental to industry readiness. “Not only is that late release bad for industry, but they won’t know where they’re supposed to be delivering until it comes out,” he warned.
Industry representatives echoed Thomas’s concerns, highlighting that funding for renewable initiatives is not reaching its potential. Aaron Walker, economist for the Chamber of Minerals and Energy, noted that although the state government has allocated $1 billion to the strategic industries fund, only $12 million was spent in the last financial year.
Cook assured attendees that a plan for strategic industrial areas will be finalized by the end of the year, and emphasized that existing upgrades in key areas like Kwinana, Kemerton, and Coolangatta would provide the necessary electricity supply to support the transition.
As the clock ticks towards the 2030 deadline, the pressure mounts for the WA government to outline a clear and actionable plan for the energy transition. Industry leaders are now left to navigate a landscape fraught with uncertainty while the Premier insists that collaborative efforts are crucial to achieving a successful shift to renewable energy.
The situation remains fluid, and stakeholders are closely monitoring developments as they unfold. Stay tuned for further updates on this critical issue that affects the future of energy in Western Australia.
