The state government has entered into a $40 million partnership with the Gorgon joint venture to focus on funding green technology and lowering carbon emissions.
Innovation and the Digital Economy and Science Minister Stephen Dawson welcomed the multi-million-dollar landmark deal saying the new Lower Carbon Grants Program — Gorgon Fund will be used to fund innovative projects which support the decarbonisation of the economy.
A new GreenTech Hub will be established with funds of $4 million over four years, with a focus on accelerating green technologies and services in Western Australia.
Modelled off the existing government co-founded innovation hubs, the GreenTech Hub will drive entrepreneurship, build state-wide capability, and support the commercialisation of green technologies.
Minister Dawson said: “This $40 million deal will be a massive benefit to our State and dedicated to finding and funding green solutions as we all work together towards zero emissions.
“The Lower Carbon Grants Program will no doubt encourage companies to begin researching and developing ways which decrease their carbon footprint.”
The Minister said establishing WA’s very own GreenTech Hub will help connect businesses, universities, and the community to address practical decarbonisation and sustainability challenges.
The hub’s work program will be determined once it is formally established, with expressions of interest to operate it now open.
The initiative, led by Chevron Australia, as operator of the Gorgon natural gas project, and funded by the Gorgon Joint Venture, provides industry funds which support the WA government’s key goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
It is expected both the grants and hub will enable further job creation as well as grow skills in both emerging and established green technologies.