The McGowan Government welcomes the signing of a non‐binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between International Graphite and ZEN Energy, which brings the construction of Western Australia's first graphite processing plant in Collie another step closer.
The MOU sets out the co-operation for the supply of firmed renewable energy for International Graphite's commercial-scale downstream graphite processing plant, which is also expected to produce battery anode materials for electric vehicles in Collie.
This heralds the next exciting stage in Collie's economic diversification and is a great example of the McGowan Government's efforts to facilitate industry collaboration to increase local manufacturing capacity, create jobs and build long-term prosperity.
Renewable energy retailer ZEN Energy, with leading climate change economist Ross Garnaut as a Director, is assessing the feasibility of building a 600 to 800 megawatt hour battery which would provide renewable energy to new and existing industrial projects in Collie.
Access to low-cost, decarbonised energy solutions will be a game-changer to kickstart downstream green industry opportunities in Collie.
The power supply agreement with ZEN Energy is expected to provide a renewable power source to International Graphite's downstream processing facility in Collie.
Development of the graphite plant will see the manufacturing of graphite products for new technologies such as mobile phones, computers, high-pressure sealants and fire retardant building materials.
The first stage of the project is expected to create around 40 full-time jobs for people in Collie and the surrounding region, with plans to expand the facility to add manufacturing capability.
International Graphite is also researching and developing potential to process graphite for producing anode material for lithium-ion batteries.
International Graphite and ZEN Energy, through its associate Sunshot Energy, have received funding support through the State Government's Collie Futures Industry Development Fund, with $2 million allocated to International Graphite's graphite processing plant and up to $1 million for the first stage of ZEN Energy's big battery feasibility study.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"Our Government has worked hard to attract new 21st century industries to Collie.
"It is great to see our efforts in bringing these businesses together result in such collaborations.
"International Graphite selected Collie as a strategic location for the new processing and manufacturing plant, based on existing regional industries and infrastructure, a skilled local workforce, and an ability to access overseas markets.
"This MOU between International Graphite and ZEN Energy is a big win for Collie's Just Transition Plan - a collaborative effort by the McGowan Government, industry and the community to attract new industries to the region.
"We look forward to International Graphite progressing the development of the plant and creating more full-time jobs in Collie."
As stated by Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns:
"This is exactly the kind of major, job-creating industrial project we have been working hard to secure for Collie.
"In recent years, the McGowan Government has invested heavily in promoting and enhancing Collie's standing as an industry hub - to create new local jobs and set the town up for a bright future.
"We will continue working closely with industry to help get major projects like this off the ground to ensure Collie's rich industrial history continues for generations to come."
