$22.5 million to streamline approvals for green energy proposals

• New teams to assess critical minerals, hydrogen and renewable energy projects
• Novel assessment processes to be developed to fast-track timeframes
• Expert panel to support Government agencies in progressing approvals
• Protection of Western Australia’s environment will remain paramount

The McGowan Government will slash approval timeframes for job-creating green energy projects, with a $22.5 million investment to overhaul the State approach to environmental approvals.

Western Australia is on the cusp of becoming a global green energy superpower, with an unprecedented number of renewable energy and critical minerals proposals currently under environmental assessment and a significant number of new referrals in the pipeline.

The new multi-pronged approach will help to drive investment in conventional wind, solar and wave power generators, hydrogen industries, lithium mining and critical minerals processing, and green energy product manufacturing.

A new dedicated cross-government Green Energy Assessment Unit will be established within the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, requiring State Government agencies to work together to develop clear assessment pathways and provide high-quality, fit-for-purpose, timely support for proponents and investors.

Work to establish the group will commence immediately, and it is expected to be operational by mid next year.

The State Government will work to develop and implement novel assessment processes for green energy projects, to facilitate smoother and faster project approvals.

A Green Energy Expert Panel comprising Government and industry will be established to provide the independent Environmental Protection Authority with the information needed to progress approvals in a timely manner.

A Green Energy Major Projects Group will also be set up to help steer individual projects through government processes.