WA’s Green Revolution: A $33.6 Million Boost to Decarbonisation
In a move that could make Mother Nature grin like a Cheshire cat, Western Australia has unveiled earth-shaking news—a hefty $33.6 million in conditional grants to five innovative projects committed to decarbonising the state. Yes, your friendly neighbourhood innovators just got a financial leg-up to battle those CO2 giants, thanks to the Lower Carbon Grants Program—Gorgon Fund. Once predominantly synonymous with massive mining footprints and the iconic “big things” (you know, the Giant Ram and friends), WA is now muscling its way into the green tech olympics.
At the helm, Innovation and the Digital Economy Minister Stephen Dawson emerged with celebratory remarks, heralding a quintet of projects to receive funding. These ventures successfully outpaced over 30 vying competitors vying for a shot at pioneering WA’s sustainable future.
Among the stellar recipients, a project aimed at empowering remote WA communities with their own local power production took center stage. By elbowing out diesel generators, this initiative blossoms with a $5 million grant. Not to be outdone, a biochar behemoth in the Pilbara is set to transform 40,000 hectares of invasive mesquite weed into biochar, promising some serious carbon-capturing wizardry. This development positions itself as one of the globe’s largest biochar carbon dioxide removals to date.
The Lower Carbon Grants Program embodies the Cook Government’s commitment to innovation in decarbonisation, part of their Diversify WA: Future State vision. In plain speak, that means fewer greenhouse gases, a soundtrack of fewer car honks, and a lot more breathing space for our ozone. And who knew you could do so much with mesquite weed?
The funding pillars sprawl across diverse sectors: from hydrogen production to Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), each project is nudged to deliver solutions and climate tricks akin to taking over 400,000 gasoline-guzzlers off the road each year—an enticing prospect for us all, observing the thrust alongside Chevron Australia and its energy transition maestro, David Fallon.
So, who triumphed in this eco-crusade?
– Biomass Projects Pty Ltd bags a cool $8.6 million for Mardie Char Project – Phase 1.
– Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation secures $5 million with their Djarindjin Community Power initiative.
– Yara Pilbara Fertilisers Pty Ltd is handed $8.6 million for the Yara Pilbara CCS Project.
– CSIRO lands $5 million for their Carbon Capture Material Acceleration Centre (CCMAC).
– Hazer Group Ltd rounds off the list with $6.1 million to foster the Hazer Process – Low Carbon Emission Hydrogen and Graphite Production.
In tandem, these projects are not just claiming chunks of cash; they’re crafting future-defining developments that dazzle brighter than any Hollywood plot twist. So stay tuned, WA, the age of local eco-heroes has dawned.
For more riveting tales and updates on this green venture, dive into the dedicated sections of the Lower Carbon Grants Program – Gorgon Fund recipients.
This is just the beginning—stay savvy and sustainable, WA. The future is unfolding, one grant at a time.
