Posted on February 8, 2023
The Pilbara Ports Authority (PPA) has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Japanese Port of Himeji.
This MOU is intended to boost renewable energy trade opportunities between Western Australia and Japan.
It will support cooperation and knowledge exchange between the PPA and the Port of Himeji on renewable energy and net zero carbon emission initiatives.
This MoU further strengthens the sister state relationship established between Western Australia and Japan in 1981.
The Port of Himeji, located in the western part of Japan, has strong trade relationships with Western Australia, importing Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), iron ore, oil, and salt from Pilbara Ports.
Mark McGowan, Premier of Western Australia witnessed the signing of the MoU between the two ports.
Mark McGowan has visited the area in 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.
“The PPA 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,” said McGowan.
“The McGowan 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,” said Australia’s Minister for Transport and Planning, Rita Saffioti.
“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,” Saffioti added.
This partnership has come more than a year after the Port of Rotterdam signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the McGowan Government in Western Australia, agreeing to collaborate on the development of the hydrogen supply chain.
