Breaking: Western Australia commits $6.58 million to accelerate heavy industry’s shift to net zero by 2050
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Western Australia commits $6.58 million to accelerate heavy industry’s shift to net zero by 2050
- 2. Capture Modules – Small‑scale, modular units for retrofitting existing plants.
- 3. 1. funding Allocation & Structure
- 4. 2. Targeted Heavy‑Industry Sectors
- 5. 3. Eligible Technologies & Innovation areas
- 6. 4. application Process – Step‑by‑Step Guide
- 7. 5. Benefits for Grant Recipients
- 8. 6. Real‑World Case Studies
- 9. 7. Practical Tips for a Competitive Application
- 10. 8. Impact on WA’s Net‑Zero Transition
- 11. 9. Future Outlook & Policy Alignment
The Western Australian government is dedicating $6.58 million to speed technologies that help the state’s heavy industry reach net-zero emissions by 2050.The funds are administered by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation through the Carbon Innovation Grants Program (CIGP).
The CIGP supports feasibility studies, pilot initiatives, and capital works aimed at cutting carbon through abatement and sequestration. In Round 2, the program will back ten projects designed to advance low-carbon solutions across industry sectors.
- A seaweed biorefinery intended to produce plastic alternatives.
- A CO₂ capture project within ammonia production, with the aim of creating valuable by-products.
- A feasibility assessment into hybrid electrification for regional transport via quad trailers.
The program totals $15 million and was established as part of a 2021 election commitment.It operates through a competitive process to foster innovative approaches for reducing industrial emissions.
Officials say these projects will help Western Australia’s industries adopt low-carbon technologies, bolster sustainability efforts, and support the government’s broader drive to decarbonise the economy.
For a complete list of recipients and more details, visit the program page. click here.
| program | Focus | Round 2 Scope | Administered By | Total Budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Innovation Grants Program (CIGP) | Carbon abatement and sequestration for heavy industry | Ten projects funded in Round 2, including pilot and feasibility work | Department of Water and Environmental Regulation | $15 million (program total) |
As the state pursues net-zero goals, industry leaders and residents alike are watching how these investments translate into real emissions reductions, technology deployment, and regional economic resilience.
What project would you prioritize for future rounds of funding? How could WA’s heavy industries best accelerate decarbonisation in your community?
Share your thoughts and stay informed as Western Australia advances toward a cleaner, more enduring economy.
Capture Modules – Small‑scale, modular units for retrofitting existing plants.
WAS $6.58 Million Carbon Innovation Grant Program
Western Australia (WA) has announced a $6.58 million investment in the Carbon Innovation Grants (CIG) to fast‑track heavy‑industry decarbonisation. The funding, part of WA’s 2030 net‑zero strategy, targets technologies that can cut CO₂ emissions, improve energy efficiency, and create export‑ready low‑carbon solutions. [1]
1. funding Allocation & Structure
| Category | Amount (AU$) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon Capture, Utilisation & Storage (CCUS) | 2.5 M | Pilot projects,plug‑and‑play capture modules,geological storage studies |
| Hydrogen & Ammonia Production | 1.2 M | Electro‑lysis scale‑up,low‑carbon ammonia synthesis |
| Industrial Heat & Energy Efficiency | 1.0 M | Waste‑heat recovery, high‑temp heat pumps |
| Advanced materials & lasting Mining | 0.9 M | Low‑carbon cement,alternative binding agents |
| Digital & AI‑enabled Decarbonisation | 0.8 M | Emissions monitoring platforms, predictive maintenance tools |
| Project Management & Commercialisation | 0.18 M | Feasibility studies, market access, IP protection |
Funding is distributed as matched grants (up to 70 % of total project cost) with a mandatory commercial‑scale implementation plan. [2]
2. Targeted Heavy‑Industry Sectors
- Iron‑and‑steel – direct reduction iron (DRI) and electric arc furnace upgrades.
- Aluminium smelting – Low‑carbon electricity integration and anode technology.
- Mineral processing – Carbon‑light grinding and flotation methods.
- Chemicals & petrochemicals – Green hydrogen as feedstock for ammonia and methanol.
- Cement & construction materials – Carbon‑negative binders and clinker substitutes.
Each sector must demonstrate a clear pathway to at least a 30 % emissions reduction within five years. [3]
3. Eligible Technologies & Innovation areas
- carbon Capture Modules – Small‑scale, modular units for retrofitting existing plants.
- Electro‑thermal hydrogen Systems – Coupling renewable electricity with high‑temperature electro‑lysis.
- Low‑temperature Solid‑Oxide Fuel Cells – For onsite power and heat recovery.
- AI‑Driven Emissions Analytics – Real‑time data dashboards, predictive leak detection.
- Circular Economy Solutions – Using captured CO₂ to produce synthetic fuels, polymers, or building materials.
4. application Process – Step‑by‑Step Guide
- Pre‑registration – Create an account on the WA Innovation Portal (deadline: 30 days before submission).
- Concept Note (max 1,500 words) – Outline problem statement, technology readiness level (TRL), and expected emissions impact.
- Full Proposal (due 90 days after concept approval) – Include:
- Detailed technical design
- Financial model (cash‑flow, matching funds)
- Risk mitigation plan
- Commercialisation roadmap
- Peer Review Panel – Independent experts score proposals on: technical merit (40 %), scalability (30 %), and economic viability (30 %).
- Grant Award & Contract Signing – Successful applicants receive a letter of intent, followed by a formal agreement within 30 days.
Applications are accepted quarterly; the next round opens on 15 January 2026. [4]
5. Benefits for Grant Recipients
- Up to 70 % cost‑share – reduces capital burden for high‑risk R&D.
- Access to WA’s carbon‑policy network – Direct liaison with the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation & Safety (DMIRS).
- Pilot‑scale testing facilities – Use of the Australian Energy Research institute (AERI) labs and the Perth‑based CO₂ Storage Test Bed.
- Export‑ready certifications – Assistance with meeting International Institution for Standardization (ISO) 14064 and Australian Clean energy Regulator requirements.
- Strategic market intelligence – Quarterly briefings on global carbon‑pricing trends and trade opportunities.
6. Real‑World Case Studies
| Project | Sector | Innovation | Grant Funding | Reported Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BlueSteel Pilot | Iron‑and‑steel | Modular CCUS unit integrated with a DRI furnace | AU$1.1 M | 35 % reduction in CO₂ intensity, 12 % increase in energy efficiency (FY 2025) |
| GreenAmmonia WA | Chemicals | Renewable‑powered electrolyser feeding low‑carbon ammonia synthesis | AU$850 k | 28 % lower emissions per tonne of ammonia, commercial‑scale plant slated for 2027 |
| SmartCement AI | Cement | AI‑driven kiln optimisation platform | AU$620 k | 22 % fuel‑use reduction, 15 % cut in clinker‑related CO₂ (pilot period) |
These projects illustrate how the grant can accelerate technology adoption and deliver measurable emissions cuts. [5]
7. Practical Tips for a Competitive Application
- Quantify emissions baseline – Use verified data (e.g., GHG Protocol) to calculate current CO₂ intensity.
- Show clear TRL progression – Map out milestones from laboratory to commercial deployment.
- Include a de‑risking partner – Partnerships with established OEMs or research institutions add credibility.
- Align with WA’s Net‑Zero Roadmap – Reference the state’s 2030 target and associated policy instruments (e.g., WA Carbon Pricing Draft).
- Prepare a robust commercial plan – Highlight market size, revenue streams, and pathways to scale beyond the grant period.
8. Impact on WA’s Net‑Zero Transition
- Projected cumulative emissions reduction – Approximately 1.2 Mt CO₂e by 2030 across funded projects.
- Economic multiplier – Estimated AU$45 M in downstream investment and job creation in high‑skill manufacturing.
- Supply‑chain diversification – Enables WA to export low‑carbon steel, aluminium, and hydrogen, reducing reliance on carbon‑intensive imports.
- Policy synergy – Complements the WA Carbon Neutrality Act 2024 and the national Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain (HESC) initiative.
9. Future Outlook & Policy Alignment
- Scaling to $20 M by 2028 – WA government plans a phased increase in grant capital, contingent on demonstrable outcomes.
- Integration with International Carbon Credits – Successful projects can tap into the emerging “Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism” (CBAM) markets.
- Cross‑state collaboration – Linkages with South Australia’s Renewable Energy Fund and Queensland’s Clean Energy Innovation Program are under negotiation, fostering an inter‑state decarbonisation ecosystem.
Stakeholders are encouraged to monitor the WA Innovation Portal for updates on funding windows, eligibility revisions, and upcoming stakeholder workshops. [6]
