Western Australia is lighting the way toward a cleaner, brighter future with the launch of Round 4 of its Clean Energy Future Fund, backed by an impressive $9 million investment from the Cook Government.

The program, which has been championing environmental innovation since 2020, continues to prove that ambitious climate action and technological progress can go hand in hand. Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson made the exciting announcement during a visit to Electric Power Conversions Australia, a shining example of what these grants can achieve. The local business previously received funding to retrofit a massive diesel mining haul truck into a fully battery electric vehicle, demonstrating the real world impact of investing in green innovation.

"Western Australia is committed to driving innovation in clean energy technologies that deliver real emissions reductions and community benefits. This fund is helping local projects turn ideas into action," Sanderson shared enthusiastically. The fund offers individual grants ranging from $100,000 to $4 million, providing meaningful support for projects ready to make a difference.

The success stories emerging from previous rounds paint an inspiring picture of what's possible. Alinta Energy's Port Hedland Big Battery project received support in Round 2, while Nomadic Energy benefited from Round 1 funding. These projects represent more than just technological advances. They're about replacing diesel generators with battery storage, developing pumped hydroelectric storage, creating re-deployable solar power plants, and electrifying heavy mining equipment that once relied entirely on fossil fuels.

The Ripple Effect

The impact of Western Australia's commitment extends far beyond individual projects. As part of the Sectoral Emissions Reduction Strategy for Western Australia, the government has significantly increased its investment, adding $18 million for 2030 to 2031 and $11.2 million for 2026 to 2027. This brings the total government investment to an impressive $37 million, sending a powerful message about the region's dedication to a sustainable future.

"Investing in clean energy is critical to decarbonising our economy and securing WA's position as a leader in the transition to net zero," Minister Sanderson emphasized, highlighting the broader vision behind these investments.

The fund serves as a testing ground where innovative ideas can transform into practical solutions that can be adopted more widely. By supporting projects that demonstrate new clean energy technologies, Western Australia is creating a blueprint that other regions can follow, multiplying the positive impact across the country and beyond.

The collaborative approach, with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation administering the program alongside Energy Policy WA, ensures that projects receive the support and guidance they need to succeed. This partnership model creates an ecosystem where innovation can flourish and ambitious environmental goals become achievable realities.

Applications for Round 4 will be accepted until April 20, 2026, offering another wave of innovators and entrepreneurs the chance to turn their clean energy dreams into tangible projects that benefit both the environment and their communities. For anyone with a groundbreaking idea for reducing emissions and advancing clean technology, this represents an incredible opportunity to make their vision a reality while contributing to a more sustainable world.