Key milestone for Clean Energy Training and Research Institute CETRI

CETRI, renewable energy, sustainability, Western Australia,

June 18, 2024

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Applications are now open to design the Pilbara-based Clean Energy Training and Research Institute (CETRI), part of the $140 million Pilbara Hydrogen Hub project to set up the region for a clean energy future.

• Tender opens for Pilbara-based Clean Energy Training and Research Institute
• Facility to focus on skills, training, and research for clean energy industries
• Part of the $140 million Pilbara Hydrogen Hub project to create energy transition jobs and diversify the Pilbara economy

The Cook Labor Government is calling for applications to design the Pilbara-based Clean Energy Training and Research Institute (CETRI), part of the $140 million Pilbara Hydrogen Hub project to set up the region for a clean energy future.

The state-of-the-art multi-user training hub and research institute will incorporate different training providers and research sites across both industry and tertiary and vocational training settings.

The CETRI will focus on research and development activities, as well as developing skills and training related to clean energy industries, including production, transportation, storage and export of renewable hydrogen.

The Pilbara Hydrogen Hub, jointly funded by the Cook and Albanese Governments, is expected to become operational by mid-2028, supporting almost 1,000 direct and indirect jobs in the region.

The tender to design CETRI is open until 24 June, via the Tenders WA website.

The milestone for CETRI follows last week’s announcement that Western Australia would be home to the nation’s first Clean Energy Skills Centre of Excellence, a $70.5 million initiative jointly funded by the State and Commonwealth Governments.

The Clean Energy Skills Centre of Excellence and CETRI collaboration will leverage the existing strengths of the State’s TAFE network and skill thousands of Western Australians to take up quality clean energy jobs. 

For more information on the CETRI, visit: https://www.pdc.wa.gov.au/our-focus/projects/pilbara-hydrogen-hub.aspx(link is external).

Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:

“The Pilbara is the economic engine-room of the nation, and my Government is positioning the region as a clean energy powerhouse for the future.

“Developing the skills we need for the clean energy jobs of the future will help Western Australia to secure major job-creating hydrogen, ammonia, critical minerals and renewable energy projects in the regions.

“The Clean Energy Training and Research Institute will train Western Australians with the skills to deliver the energy transition, keeping our economy strong for generations to come.”

Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Don Punch:

“The state-of-the-art Clean Energy Training and Research Institute (CETRI) will be crucial to support the establishment of a local workforce to build and maintain a clean energy production and export hub in the Pilbara.

“CETRI will support the creation of new industries and employment opportunities by providing access to VET and higher education pathways to learn and work in clean energy industries.

“Importantly, it will also help create opportunities for Aboriginal people to have a stake in the clean energy future across the supply chain and support the next generation of researchers and educators.

“The Cook Government looks forward to receiving the tender submissions and working together with our partners to bring this visionary project to life, ensuring that the Pilbara continues to lead in educational excellence and research innovation.”

Comments attributed to Training and Workforce Development Minister Simone McGurk:

“The exciting collaboration between the Clean Energy Skills Centre of Excellence and CETRI will put people at the forefront of the clean energy transition by using the existing strengths of WA’s TAFE network.

“Projections show the clean energy sector is expected to generate around 350,000 jobs over the next 25 years. 

“This collaboration, combined with other initiatives like free and low-cost training, demonstrates the Cook Government’s commitment to increasing the number of apprentices in trades such as electrical, plumbing and engineering – which will be at the heart of the clean energy workforce for years to come.”

Comments attributed to Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:

“This is an exciting time for the development of a new, renewable, green energy industry that will transform the Pilbara’s economy.

“The CETRI will enable sophisticated applied research and development activities, utilising the expertise of the region’s existing workforce and by attracting leading academics to use world-class facilities right here in the Pilbara.”

Source: © Government of Western Australia 2017 to 2024

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