Renewable Energy & Clean Technologies

The Australian Government’s Long Term Emissions Reduction Plan aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

Through some clear visioned decisions made early on, the Harvey Region is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in the renewable energy transition, making it a prime location for investors seeking to capitalise on the growing demand for sustainable and environmentally conscious industries.

A Well-Connected Region

• The Harvey Region is home to the Southern Seawater Desalination Plant, Kemerton Power Station, Harvey Water, and Peel Resource Recovery, providing reliable connectivity to the grid.
• It has proximity to WA’s major populated areas and proximity to major power users, including at the Kemerton Strategic Industrial Area, plus Alcoa and South 32 mining operations.
• The Australian Government has announced its intention to declare a site off the coast of WA between Perth and Bunbury as one of six Australian sites for offshore wind development.
• Proximity to the Port of Bunbury.
• The Harvey Region has a stable workforce with a trade and maritime focus.

The Bottom Line

• In 2021, 29% of Australia’s total electricity generation was from renewable energy sources, including solar (12%), wind (10%) and hydro (6%). The share of renewables in total electricity generation in 2021 was the highest on record, with the previous peak being 26% in the mid-1960s.
• Australia ranks sixth globally for the attractiveness of its renewable energy investment and deployment opportunities and first globally for installed PV solar capacity per capita.
• Kemerton Power Station, that has been designed to use natural gas as its fuel source, has a total generation capacity of 310 megawatts.
• The Southern Seawater Desalination Plant produces more than 33% of Perth’s water supply, with plans for further expansion.

Opportunities on Offer

• Potential investment in offshore wind energy farm projects and establishment of headquarters in Australind.
• Potential investment in hydrogen energy production and storage facilities, given the area’s access to renewable energy sources and strong infrastructure.
• Investment in pumped hydroelectricity system involving Harvey Dam and/or Lake Brockman.
• Investment in energy storage technologies, given the growing demand for energy storage solutions to support the integration of renewable energy into the electricity grid.
• Investment in research and development of new clean and renewable energy technologies.
• South Energy has received Regional Joint Development Assessment Plan (JDAP) approval to build a switchyard as part of a 110 megawatt solar farm near Benger. The switchyard will allow South Energy to establish a micro-grid, offering power generated at the proposed solar facility to commercial clients at Kemerton, with excess power exported to the main Wholesale Electricity Market (WEM). South Energy is also developing another 210 megawatt solar farm in nearby Waroona.
• Danish renewable energy developer Copenhagen Energy is seeking to develop an offshore windfarm 15-70 kilometres off the coast of Binningup that will provide green electricity for Western Australia. If approved the project will deliver:
  • $8 billion in total capital expenditure.
  • 14,500 estimated jobs during the construction period.
  • 3 gigawatts of total installed capacity.
  • An expected offset of 6 million tonnes of CO2 emission reduction every year.
• Oceanex Energy Australia is in the feasibility stage regarding the development of a wind farm 20 kilometres off the coast with an installed capacity of 2,000 megawatts. It is anticipated the project construction will hit $10 billion and create 3,000 plus jobs.
• German company Skyborn Renewables is proposing a windfarm between Binningup and Preston Beach, approximately 5.5 kilometres off the coast, with a capacity of 300 megawatts.
• Flotation Energy, part of the Japanese TEPCO Group, is proposing a 1.5 gigawatt windfarm off the Bunbury to Myalup coastline. If approved, construction will begin in 2028, with 800-1000 construction workers and 150-200 maintenance and operation staff.