The launch of the WA Government’s “State of Energy” campaign at Energy Exchange Australia (EXA) 2026 was more than a branding exercise. For thoseworking across WA’s energy sector, it was a clear signal about how the State is positioning itself, and what it is asking of industry as the energy transition accelerates.
Unveiled by Premier Roger Cook at the opening of EXA in Perth in March, the campaign aims to frame WA as a reliable, pragmatic and globally relevant energy jurisdiction at a time of rapid industry change. Importantly, it does so without drawing sharp lines between “old” and “new” energy. Instead, it presents WA’s energy future as one that continues to be built on diversity, scale and capability.
In his address, the Premier described this moment as one of opportunity for the
State, noting that WA is accelerating investment in renewables, storage and
clean energy infrastructure.
“There has never been a more exciting time to be part of the WA story,” he said.
EXA provided a fitting backdrop for the campaign’s launch. Bringing together thousands of delegates from across the energy supply chain, the conference showcased the activity underway in WA, from traditional oil and gas operations through to hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, offshore wind, decommissioning and advanced manufacturing. The diversity of exhibitors and speakers reinforced a central theme of the State of Energy campaign: that WA’s transition is not a single pathway, but a portfolio.
The timing of the launch was also significant. Alongside the campaign, the Government announced $150 million in low‑interest loans to support WA manufacturers investing in solar, batteries and energy‑efficient technologies.
For industry, this is an important point. The State of Energy campaign does not present the transition as an abstract environmental objective, but as an economic and industry challenge that requires participation across government, operators, suppliers and service providers.
Throughout EXA, government representatives reinforced that WA’s energy policy settings are focused on balancing emissions reduction with reliability and security. As demand grows from electrification, population increases and emerging industries, the ability to deliver energy at scale will be just as important as how that energy is generated.
The campaign signals that WA sees industry as an active partner in shaping the next phase of WA’s energy system, not simply a recipient of policy. The emphasis on collaboration, capability and long‑term planning aligns closely with the role Energy Club WA plays as a forum for informed discussion and connection across the sector.
The campaign seeks to build confidence among investors that WA remains open for business, among industry that the transition will be managed pragmatically, and within the broader community that the next stage of WA energy can support both economic growth and sustainability. As EXA highlighted, success in the next phase of WA energy will ultimately depend on how well government and industry continue to work together.