News. Press Conference. Premier Roger Cook. CME lunch.
UPDATE: The Western Australian Premier, Roger Cook, is facing criticism for urging industry leaders to “lean in” on the state’s energy transition while a critical energy plan has been quietly delayed by two years. This urgent call comes just after reports revealed the deadline for WA’s “whole of system plan” has been pushed back, raising concerns about the state’s commitment to transition away from coal by 2030.
During a speech at the Chamber of Minerals and Energy’s Premier’s Industry Lunch, Cook emphasized the necessity for industry executives to expedite their efforts in renewable energy, stating, “If we are to become a renewable energy powerhouse in a net zero by 2050 world, we need you to act, to lean in.” However, opposition from both the Greens and the Opposition has labeled this approach as inadequate. Greens MP Brad Pettit criticized Cook, claiming, “The Premier needs to stop asking corporations to do his job,” and described the government’s reliance on corporate action as “lazy.”
Opposition Shadow Energy Minister Steve Thomas echoed these sentiments, arguing that the delay jeopardizes WA’s energy transition. “The whole of system plan includes generation and storage as well as the power lines. Not only is that late release bad for industry, but they won’t know where they’re supposed to be delivering until it comes out,” he stated.
Cook’s remarks come amid rising concerns over funding and implementation. Industry leaders have voiced that financial resources are not flowing fast enough. Aaron Walker, economist at CME WA, pointed out that while the state government has allocated $1 billion to the strategic industries fund, only $12 million was spent in the last financial year.
In response to the criticisms, Cook assured that a plan for strategic industrial areas would be finalized by the end of the year. He added that significant infrastructure upgrades are already underway in critical locations such as Kwinana, Kemerton, and Coolangatta to enhance electricity supply.
The Premier’s call to action for industry leaders emphasizes the urgency of the situation as WA navigates its transition away from coal. With the deadline for the energy plan extended, the focus now shifts to how swiftly industry can respond and the implications this has for the state’s renewable energy ambitions.
The situation remains fluid, with stakeholders closely monitoring developments. As the state grapples with its energy future, the call for immediate industry engagement is more pressing than ever.
