WA aims to take lithium game
WA has officially launched its big battery plan.
Premier Mark McGowan and Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston have launched the Western Australian Future Battery Industry Strategy.
The Government says it will grow WA into a world-leading exporter of future battery minerals, materials, technologies and expertise.
Increased demand for electric vehicles and energy storage systems have created significant opportunities for Western Australia in the global battery value chain.
The WA Government says its Future Battery Industry Ministerial Taskforce engaged with government, industry, research organisations and the community to create the new strategy.
One of the first initiatives of the strategy is the development and implementation of an investment attraction strategy – looking to build relationships with investors and manufacturers in global battery and electric vehicle supply chains.
The next steps for the Government include filling current and future skill gaps, and facilitating access to infrastructure and funding for technology SMEs.
Other measures include exploring initiatives to increase the uptake of batteries across the state and globally. These include opportunities through assembly, installation and management of energy storage systems.
Western Australia is the world's largest producer of lithium and a leading producer of other battery metals including nickel, cobalt and rare earths.