Highlights

• WA steps up South Korea engagement on energy transition pathways.

• Green iron, green ammonia and carbon solutions sit on the agenda.

• Water projects lift local contracting and infrastructure momentum.

Western Australia is deepening South Korea ties to progress industrial decarbonisation and energy transition partnerships, while expanding local water and wastewater investment to strengthen supply chains and deliver major infrastructure statewide.

Western Australia is taking its energy transition message to South Korea, with Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson set to showcase the state’s renewable resources and advanced manufacturing potential during a multi-day visit. The mission is positioned to deepen long-running trade relationships while opening new lanes of cooperation in industrial decarbonisation, including green iron, green ammonia utilisation, and carbon capture solutions. In parallel, the state’s water infrastructure agenda is gathering pace through major investment programs designed to support growing communities and strengthen local supply chains.

What is WA aiming to achieve in South Korea?

The visit is framed as a relationship-building mission with a clear commercial and strategic purpose: to strengthen cooperation with South Korea as Western Australia diversifies its economy and positions itself as a renewable energy hub.

Why South Korea matters to WA’s energy agenda

South Korea is one of Western Australia’s major trading partners and home to large industrial groups with experience in steelmaking, manufacturing, chemicals, and energy-intensive supply chains. That makes it a natural counterpart for discussions about decarbonising heavy industry and building lower-emissions supply networks.

Which cooperation themes are on the table?

The mission highlights three areas where cross-border partnerships can accelerate progress.

What is green iron, in simple terms?

Green iron refers to iron production pathways designed to reduce emissions, typically by using renewable energy inputs and lower-emissions processing routes. It is often discussed as a potential stepping-stone for green steel supply chains, especially in regions with strong renewable resources.

What is green ammonia utilisation?

Green ammonia is ammonia produced using lower-emissions hydrogen and renewable energy inputs. “Utilisation” focuses on how it can be used as an energy carrier, an industrial feedstock, or part of a decarbonised supply chain.

What is carbon capture, utilisation and storage?

Carbon capture, utilisation and storage refers to capturing carbon dioxide from industrial processes, using it in products or processes where possible, and storing it in geological formations when utilisation is not feasible. It is often discussed as a pathway for hard-to-abate industrial emissions.

Who will the Minister meet, and why does that matter?

The visit includes meetings with major South Korean industry groups:

• POSCO (KRX:005490)

• Samsung (KRX:005930)

• LX International (KRX:001120)

• Korean Gas Corporation (KRX:036460)

• LG Chem (KRX:051910)

Why meetings with large industrial groups are significant

Large conglomerates often play multiple roles across supply chains—from manufacturing and infrastructure to chemicals and energy systems. Engagement at this level can support:

• early-stage collaboration pathways

• investment discussions tied to infrastructure and industrial hubs

• technology partnerships in manufacturing and electrification

• demand-side alignment for lower-emissions materials

What is WA promoting beyond projects?

The mission also aims to promote Western Australia’s regulatory reforms and decarbonisation initiatives designed to lift investment attractiveness.

What “investment attractiveness” commonly means here

In practical terms, it can include:

• clearer approval and permitting pathways

• policy settings that support renewable projects and transmission build-out

• frameworks that encourage industrial investment and local manufacturing

• signals of long-term commitment to transition planning

What is the “advanced manufacturing” angle?

The visit also frames opportunities in:

• battery manufacturing

• green iron and steel value chains

• transmission infrastructure development

Why manufacturing is tied to the energy transition

As renewable generation expands, demand often grows for:

• processing and fabrication capability closer to project sites

• domestic supply chains for components and maintenance

• industrial hubs that can use renewable energy at scale

This approach aligns energy development with broader economic diversification rather than treating renewables as a standalone sector.

WA’s water investment: what’s being funded?

Alongside the international mission, the Western Australian Government’s water infrastructure agenda is being positioned as a major local investment pipeline, with contracts flowing to local suppliers and contractors.

What has been announced on water and wastewater spending?

The update highlights:

• a record value of contracts awarded to local businesses in the most recent financial year

• an increase in work volume compared with the prior year

• ongoing procurement expectations for WA-made products

• a major allocation to Water Corporation’s asset investment program

Why water infrastructure matters to economic diversification

Large water and wastewater programs typically support:

• construction and civil works employment

• local fabrication and component supply

• long-lived community infrastructure resilience

• ongoing operations and maintenance demand

What kinds of WA-made products are being supported?

The procurement pipeline includes locally made components such as:

• steel pipes

• valves

• pump components

• operational supplies

This framing links water investment to local manufacturing capability and supplier participation.

Which projects are highlighted as underway?

The update references a range of projects that reflect both metropolitan growth and regional resilience, including:

• Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant

• a regional desalination plant in Onslow

• upgrades to the Ord Irrigation Scheme in the Kimberley

• renewal work for ageing water mains across Perth

These projects indicate a mix of new capacity, regional supply security, and network renewal.

Why these two announcements connect

At first glance, an international energy mission and local water infrastructure contracts might seem unrelated. But they share a common economic logic: both aim to strengthen Western Australia’s long-term competitiveness.

The shared thread

• Energy transition diplomacy supports investment and industrial partnerships

• Water infrastructure delivery strengthens local capability and supports growth

• Local procurement helps build resilient supply chains and employment pathways

• Decarbonisation themes increasingly influence industrial planning and capital flows

Together, they reinforce a story of WA pursuing major infrastructure and industrial positioning while maintaining strong trade relationships.