State Backs New WesCEF Abatement Initiatives
The State Government is diversifying Western Australia’s economy for the future through its support for newly installed abatement technology at Wesfarmers Chemicals Energy and Fertilisers’ (WesCEF) nitric acid ammonium nitrate plant in Kwinana.
That technology – supported by $500,000 in funding through the Carbon Innovation Grants program – will help reduce the plant’s nitrous oxide emissions by 98 per cent.
State Government support for these efforts comes at the same time as WA’s carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) continues grow.
CCUS projects in the pipeline in WA have the potential to store more than 20 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year – this is equal to around a quarter of WA’s current scope one emissions.
The WA Government’s CCUS Action Plan aims to establish a world recognised and leading CCUS industry in WA.
Companies to have funding since that action plan was launched include Mitsui E&P Australia Pty Limited and WesCEF, which received $11 million to support development of the Cygnus CCS Hub in the Mid West.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
“I want to ensure Western Australia’s economy remains the strongest in the nation.
“To do that, my government will work closely with our recourses sector to diversify our economy for the future – including by supporting WA’s carbon capture industries.
“This project is the exact thing I want to see more of in WA.
“By helping decarbonise major job-creating projects, we are ensuring Western Australia’s industry is the best in Australia and our jobs market remains the envy of the nation.”
As stated by WesCEF Managing Director Aaron Hood:
“This enhancement demonstrates what’s possible when industry and government work together towards the common goal of decarbonisation.
“WesCEF has always been an early adopter of emission reduction technology, and what we have installed today is best-in-class and allows us to continue to support key customers in agriculture and mining industries here in WA.
“Our decarbonisation journey began in 2012 when we first installed abatement technology in our plants, and as a result, we’ve abated over 10 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent over the past 13 years.
“This latest instalment is yet another major step towards achieving our target of a 30 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030 and net zero by 2050.”
https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Cook Labor Government/State-Government-supporting-latest-WesCEF-abatement-efforts-20250507