In a bid to reach its goal of net zero emissions by 2050 the government has promised $6 million in funding for research and development in critical minerals, precision and low-impact mining, and the uptake of clean energy technologies.
The government is working on a sectoral emissions reduction strategy with industry while simultaneously drafting the Greenhouse Gas Storage and Transport Bill.
WA mines minister Bill Johnston also launched a hybrid power purchase agreement guide and template recently, to help contract negotiations between miners and independent power producers for the installation of onsite renewable generation.
Johnston said while many clean energy technologies were well-established, significant technological barriers remained that were preventing broad adoption.
Specific applications of clean energy solutions at scale, particularly in heavy and extractive industries, remained a challenge.
"Expanding MRIWA's research scope will position our state to benefit from research and development focused on emissions reduction and the broader clean energy value chain," he said.
"MRIWA will start consultations to identify and prioritise the high-impact research areas in parallel to legislative changes being made."