Andrew Donni from the AHK Australien Customer Success Team recently visited Western Australia and was able to visit some of our members that call the West Coast home. The following are some of his reflections as a WA local, the state of industry and the significant achievements of German companies in the state.
Flying over to Western Australia really does feel like entering another country. If not for the five hours trip it takes by plane, it’s the fierce independence on display by Western Australian locals. With the sun setting over the beach and many plants and animals distinct to this part of the county, Western Australia has its own brand of Australiana. Whilst the city itself, spread over a vast swath of land, may give it the impression of being a laid back, somewhat sleepy town, underneath the surface is a dynamic and exciting economy, situated at the doorstep of Asia. This proximity, coupled with the significant mineral resources of the state, means that Western Australia play’s an important role in Australia’s future.
Hydrogen is a key pillar in the German-Australian bilateral relationship. In 2019 the WA government launched a Renewable Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap with the vision of making the state a “significant producer, exporter and user of renewable hydrogen”. Importantly the hydrogen sector will be an important export substitute for liquified natural gas (LNG) and a central component in the production of green iron ore and steel. Green LOHC, an AHK Energy Cluster member has been established as an Australian/German joint venture seeking to build a hydrogen supply chain in Western Australia. In building a plant in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, Green LOHC is looking to assist in the creation of interconnected hydrogen hubs with close access to both the Asian market as well as the domestic mining sector. Fellow member EcoGraf has headquartered in Perth and is also leading the way in supplying the market with environmentally responsible battery anode material for lithium-ion batteries.
The strength of the WA mining & resources sector is well positioned to help Germany and the rest of Europe transition away from fossil fuels and into alternative energy sources. Concurrently, the Perth Mint, a AHK Australien Corporate member, sends around 40% of its export into Germany and is testament to the significant role Europe plays in the Australian market despite its geographical separation.
Beyond Mining & Resources, Western Australia is using its geographical advantage in other areas, with the Government is making large investments to grow the domestic ship building industry. Nowhere is this more evident than in the maritime present in Henderson, south of Fremantle. The State and Federal government are investing significant funds to build Australia’s second dry dock. This important part of infrastructure will be completed around 2028 and will have a lifespan of more than 100 years. Moreover, the project is being undertaken in conjunction with German shipbuilder and member Luerssen and is set to dramatically transform the capabilities of the local shipbuilding industry.
Throughout my time in Western Australia what struck me the most was the dedicated cohort of German nationals and naturalised Australians who are passionate about Western Australia and the role that German expertise can play in the broader economy. Whilst they undoubtably retain their German heritage, they are just as proud of this state as any other sandgroper you may encounter. As we all move forward as a nation and closed boarders become a thing of the past, Western Australia, though still geographically isolated from the rest of the country, continues to play an key role in the German-Australian bilateral relationship.
