An investigation into cutting the carbon emissions of thousands of homes managed by the Department of Communities has commenced, in line with the McGowan Government's commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
The State Government - through the Department of Communities and the Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre (FBICRC) - have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in developing a decarbonisation strategy to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of the State's public housing stock.
The two organisations will work together to determine the best methods to improve access to clean energy and emission reduction technology, with the aim of providing renewable, lower cost power to benefit tenants and the broader community.
FBICRC is a not-for-profit collaboration of more than 70 industry, government and academic partners which aim to create a vibrant renewable battery industry for Australia.
Aligned to the Western Australian Sectoral Emissions Reduction Strategy (SERS), it is pursuing strategies to enable regional job creation, energy security, and economic resilience in the energy transition.
Under the MOU, a working group of industry and academic experts will explore a range of issues, including:
- investigating technical options - including costs, social benefits, and impact on carbon emissions;
- identifying opportunities for local and regional businesses to participate through manufacturing, installation, and servicing; and
- developing a vision for future social housing which incorporates decarbonisation objectives.
The strategy is in line with the WA Climate Policy and SERS, which outlines nine principles including:
- government leadership;
- resilience;
- regional job creation;
- energy security;
- collaboration; and
- fairness.
These principles will inform the approach to decarbonising the State's housing stock.
The memorandum will be in place for three years.
As stated by Housing Minister John Carey:
"This is an exciting opportunity to create a clean, green future for the State's social housing stock.
"I'm deeply proud our Government has signed a memorandum of understanding with Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre, which will have multiple flow-on benefits and cost savings for the most vulnerable members of our community, and businesses.
"We have a significant portfolio of social dwellings, and this collaboration can also positively contribute to our Government's goal of achieving net zero by 2050."
As stated by Energy Minister Bill Johnston:
"The McGowan Government is committed to clean, green energy initiatives that ensures a secure and reliable energy supply for Western Australia into the future, and this MOU is a further step forward.
"We're committed to a low carbon future through the Western Australian Climate Policy, which prioritises initiatives to enhance climate resilience and transitioning the State to a low carbon economy."
As stated by FBICRC CEO Shannon O'Rourke:
"The FBICRC is delighted to partner with the WA Government on this key, clean-tech decarbonisation initiative that has significant potential benefits for the community and manufacturing opportunities for local businesses.
"It leverages our deep capability across the renewable sector and reflects the critical role that energy storage will play in Australia's race to decarbonise."
