The Federal Government has announced the first pilot projects under the new ‘Investor Front Door’ program – including a low carbon liquid fuels project in Victoria and South Australia as well as a large scale zero-emission heavy road freight depot in south-west Sydney.
The Investor Front Door program aims to fast-track major projects by providing them with a dedicated engagement manager to help them navigate the regulatory approvals process and connect with suitable government financing opportunities.
The four pilot projects – focused on fuel security, supply chain resilience, and critical minerals – are estimated to have the potential to contribute up to $20 billion in investment in Australia. The pilot will run until mid-2027.
New Energy Transport’s Wilton Project
This project aims to develop a large-scale zero-emission heavy road freight depot south-west of Sydney to help strengthen the resilience of Australia’s freight systems and supply chains.
This would be the first in a proposed network of electric freight hubs enabling zero-emission freight transport between major cities, reducing the nation’s reliance on diesel freight and imported fuels.
HAMR Energy’s Renewable Fuel Project
Situated in Victoria and South Australia, these two facilities would convert biomass into low-carbon liquid fuels.
If successful, the project would strengthen Australia’s fuel security by increasing the amount of fuel it produces, support regional jobs and industries, and help reduce emissions across a range of sectors like aviation and shipping.
Ardea Resources’ Kalgoorlie Nickel Project
The Kalgoorlie Nickel Project is one of the largest nickel and cobalt resources in Australia, which could produce 30,000 tonnes of nickel and 2,000 tonnes of cobalt a year for 40 years.
This project will help to meet global demand for nickel and cobalt, bolster Australia’s position in clean energy supply chains, and support economic development in the WA Goldfields.
The Murchison Green Hydrogen Project
Located in Western Australia, this proposed green hydrogen plant would produce large-scale green ammonia using wind and solar.
The project aims to aims to provide a model for commercial-scale green hydrogen development and generate new green export opportunities to Asia and Europe.