WA Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program

Purpose and Programme Overview

The Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program WA aims to foster the growth of local businesses within Western Australia’s wind energy industry. This initiative provides funding to support innovation, job creation, and the development of new technologies. The programme plays a direct role in enhancing the capabilities of the state’s renewable energy sector.

Its core objective is to facilitate Western Australia’s transition to a low-carbon economy. By encouraging investment in local manufacturing capabilities, the programme seeks to build a robust and resilient supply chain for wind energy components and services within the state, reducing its reliance on external markets.

Key Grant Details

• Grant Amount or Funding Range:
  • Market Entry Stream: $20,000 to $60,000 per project.
  • Market Growth Stream: $500,000 to $1 million per project.
• Application Open and Close Dates: Applications will be accepted until funding is fully exhausted.
• Eligible Industries or Business Types: Businesses involved in wind energy manufacturing.
• Required Co-contributions:
  • The programme covers up to 50% of eligible project costs.
  • Market Entry Stream: Co-contribution of $10,000 to $30,000.
  • Market Growth Stream: Co-contribution of $250,000 to $500,000.
• Location/State/Territory Applicability: Principal project activities and operations must be based in Western Australia.

Priority Sectors

The programme explicitly targets the wind energy industry, specifically focusing on manufacturing capabilities within this sector in Western Australia.

Funding Scope

The programme operates across two distinct streams, each with specific project size and co-contribution requirements:

Market Entry Stream:

• • Minimum: $20,000
  • Maximum: $60,000
  • Focus: Capability development.

Market Growth Stream:

• • • Minimum: $500,000
    • Maximum: $1 million
    • Focus: Capacity and capability enhancement.

Project Timeline: Projects must be completed within a maximum period of 18 months.

Eligibility Criteria for Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program WA

• Business Structure: Must be an entity incorporated in Australia, including start-ups and trading corporations.
• Registered Business Location: Principal project activities and operations must be based in Western Australia.
• Compliance Obligations:
  • Must hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) and Australian Company Number (ACN).
  • The business must not be exempt from taxes.
  • Must be registered for GST.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The grant supports a range of activities and associated costs within the lifecycle of wind energy manufacturing:

• Capital Investment: Up to 25% of total project costs, with demonstrated benefits to Western Australia.
• Skill-based Training: Associated training aimed at modernising and transforming manufacturing processes.
• Pre-production Intangible Activities: Includes specialised trailers, Research and Development (R&D), and design.
• Production Tangible Activities: Covers actual production processes for components (e.g., tower foundations, nacelle components, and assembly).
• Post-production Intangible Activities: Such as replacement parts and servicing, and establishing refurbishment centres.
• Other eligible expenses include: Logistics, production costs, distribution, sales, and services.
• Expenditure Requirements: All expenditure must be incurred within the 18-month project period, be a direct cost of the project as scoped, and meet eligible expenditure guidelines, including required project audit activities.

Assessment Process

• Nature of the Grant: Competitive.
• Evaluation Criteria: Applications will be assessed by a judging panel. The evaluation will compare applications against each other, likely focusing on project merit, alignment with programme objectives, and proposed outcomes.

Recent Programme Updates

The information provided indicates that the programme is open for applications until funding is exhausted, implying an ongoing or continuous intake model. There were no specific recent legislative changes or new funding rounds mentioned beyond the initial programme launch details provided. The programme structure, including its two streams and co-contribution requirements, remains as outlined.

Application Tips

• Carefully prepare a detailed project plan outlining all milestones and associated costs.
• Please ensure that every expense is aligned with the project’s scope and benefits for Western Australia.
• Clearly articulate how your project will enhance the manufacturing capabilities for wind energy in WA.
• Demonstrate your business’s capacity and capability to deliver the proposed project within the 18-month timeframe.
• Please ensure your eligibility by verifying compliance with all ABN, ACN, GST, and WA operational requirements.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group. We offer initial assessments to review your business’s eligibility and evaluate how well your project aligns with the grant’s objectives. You can also visit relevant government websites for application templates and further guidance.