Western Australia and Japan are working to boost renewable energy trade opportunities by signing a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), witnessed by Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan.
The MOU between Pilbara Ports Authority (PPA) and the Port of Himeji will support cooperation and knowledge exchange between the two ports on renewable energy and net zero carbon emission initiatives.
Mr McGowan said WA’s ports are the lifeblood of the state’s export industries and will play a key role as WA embraces new low-carbon industries and opportunities.
“The Pilbara has enormous growth potential in renewable hydrogen, ammonia and critical minerals – and this initiative today will help us to work with our Japanese trading partners to drive local jobs in the region,” Mr McGowan said,
The Port of Himeji, located in the western part of Japan, has strong trade relationships with Western Australia, importing LNG, iron ore, oil, and salt from Pilbara ports.
Western Australia Ports Minister, Rita Saffioti, said the Western Australian Government is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, with PPA well positioned to provide renewable energy exports to not only Australia, but across the world.
“With the Port of Himeji one of the largest importers of LNG exported from PPA ports, an opportunity was identified to explore port infrastructure and initiatives to support decarbonisation,” Ms Saffioti said.
“I look forward to seeing the collaboration and sharing of knowledge between the ports as we continue the transition to green energy.”
Mr McGowan is visiting Japan as part of a State Government mission to drive investment into WA’s future industries. While in Japan, a delegation from the PPA will tour the Harima coastal area to learn about its carbon neutral port plan.
This MOU further strengthens the Sister State relationship established between WA and Hyogo Prefecture in 1981.
