Submission to the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation: WA Climate Change Strategy Issues Paper

Abstract

This submission to the Western Australian Department of Water and Environmental Regulation focuses on four areas raised in the WA Climate Change strategy: Transforming Energy Generation, Future Mobility, Regional Prosperity, and Liveable Towns and Cities. Our key recommendations are: - Consider policy mechanisms to maximize benefits to Indigenous communities upon whose lands many new renewable generation projects will likely be constructed, and require meaningful engagement with these communities by developers - Conduct review of regulations that may unnecessarily hamper distributed generation installation - Pursue an electricity grid underpinned by a large share of renewable generation, as this is technologically feasible and economically attractive - Pursue low-cost regulations to make home charging of electric vehicles more accessible for renters and apartment dwellers - Consider the role of the mining industry in the low-carbon transition, especially opportunities for low-emissions ore refining within Australia - Consider the potential for Western Australia to play a growing role as a major supplier of key materials for a renewables-dominated global energy system, including metal ores, lithium and rare earths - Consider the opportunities within Western Australia for clean hydrogen production from renewable generation, and building a hydrogen export industry