The Western Australian Energy Research Alliance is an unincorporated joint venture between CSIRO, Curtin University of Technology and The University of Western Australia.  The Alliance is based at the Australian Resources Research Centre (ARRC) within the heart of the State's oil and gas technology cluster at Technology Park, Bentley in Perth.

The management structure includes a Governing Board of representatives from each of the Alliance members which is responsible for governance and proper functioning of the organisation.  The Board sets and reviews the direction and strategy for WA:ERA, and establishes and maintains operation policies. 

The Board uses a high-level Industry Advisory Group (IAG) as the principal source of external guidance and advice on issues relating to the development of WA:ERA.

Program execution is managed by the Chief Executive Officer of WA:ERA, Ian Finnie.  The CEO is responsible for implementing the directions of the Governing board and coordinating operational matters.

An Executive Advisory Group (EAG) provides inter-organisational administrative, financial and marketing support to the Governing Board and the CEO.  Operational matters concerning research, education and training programs are covered by the WA:ERA Research and Education Committee.