March 10, 2026
Kwinana Energy Transformation Hub takes shape with construction contract awarded
- The Future Energy Exports Cooperative Research Centre (FEnEx CRC) has appointed Western Projects to construct the Stage 1 Research and Development (R&D) building at the Kwinana Energy Transformation Hub (KETH).
- Construction began in September 2025, with completion scheduled for October 2026.
- The planning, design and construction of the Stage 1 R&D building is being delivered entirely by Western Australian companies, reinforcing FEnEx CRC’s commitment to local industry participation
The Future Energy Exports Cooperative Research Centre (FEnEx CRC) has reached a major milestone in building Australia’s clean energy leadership, awarding Western Projects the contract to construct Stage 1 of the Kwinana Energy Transformation Hub (KETH) which includes a state-of-the-art Research and Development (R&D) building designed by Ferguson Architects.
Located in the Kwinana Industrial Area, KETH will deliver a multi-user open-access testbed dedicated to accelerating the commercialisation of new energy solutions and derisking decarbonisation pathways. It will also support skills and workforce development for rapidly evolving clean energy industries.
FEnEx CRC CEO Professor Eric May said, “This contract is a major milestone for KETH. The new facility will provide a safe, real-world environment to test and prove clean energy technologies, helping them reach the market faster.
“KETH will be a thriving industrial R&D hub and a catalyst for building Western Australia’s clean energy ecosystem. It will create jobs, support skills development, and strengthen WA’s role as a leader in the clean energy industries.
“It will not only help industry reduce emissions but also boost Australia’s reputation as a reliable clean energy partner worldwide.
“We are grateful for the support of the WA Government, whose Investment Attraction Fund grant is pivotal to establishing this new facility for clean energy research, demonstration and training.”
Western Projects Director Jos Colvin said “Western Projects is proud to be delivering the construction of KETH, a nationally significant initiative driving innovation in energy transition technologies. As a WA-based company, we are committed to supporting local industry, creating job opportunities, and contributing to a more sustainable energy future. We look forward to working closely with the FEnEx CRC and project partners to bring this visionary project to life.”
The workforce and materials used to plan, design and construct the KETH Stage 1 R&D building are sourced entirely from WA based entities, demonstrating FEnEx CRC’s commitment to local industry participation.
Together with its international network of partners, FEnEx CRC is positioning Australia as a global leader in emissions measurement and verification, energy decarbonisation and the provision of low carbon fuels, supporting both national and international decarbonisation goals.
About FEnEx CRC
The FEnEx CRC is a $163M+ collaborative research organisation established in 2020. With 49 partners from industry, government, and universities, FEnEx CRC executes cutting-edge, industry-led research, education, and training to help decarbonise Australia’s gas and LNG production while building the capacity to produce, store and transport clean hydrogen.
FEnEx CRC research is supported by a grant from the Commonwealth Department of Industry, Science and Resources through the CRC program. More at www.fenex.org.au.
About KETH
KETH is a flagship project of the FEnEx CRC, being built on a 3-hectare site within the Kwinana Strategic Industrial Area. Supported by $15 million in support from the WA Government’s Investment Attraction Fund, KETH will be an open-access facility where businesses, researchers, and innovators can test and demonstrate clean energy technologies in real-world conditions, accelerating their path to market. Stage 1 is set to open in 2026 and will support training for future clean energy jobs, boost the development of a hydrogen ecosystem in WA, and help position Australia as a leader in decarbonised energy exports.
About Western Projects
Western Projects is a WA-based construction company with more than 30 years of experience delivering high-quality infrastructure for universities, government, and industry. More at www.westernprojects.com.au.
Media contact:
Managing Director and CEO, Eric May: Eric.May@fenex.org.au | +61 8 6488 2954