Renewable energy projects predicted to drive $20 billion construction boom
Spending on building renewable energy infrastructure is forecast to peak at $20 billion in 2026, stimulated by the Australian government’s target of 82% electricity from renewables by 2030, but caution remains over workforce capability.
Governments pump millions in to build ‘new energy’ workforce
The federal and state governments are stepping up their investments as they seek to deliver the army of skilled workers required to build the solar and wind farms, rooftop solar, battery storage and transmission infrastructure needed to achieve Australia’s renewable energy and emissions targets.
Perth contractor lands $160 million contract for Collie battery
State-owned energy utility Synergy has awarded the construction and balance of plant contract for the 500 MW / 2,000 MWh Collie battery energy storage system being built in Western Australia’s southwest.
Victorian solar installer fined $40,000 for ignoring falls risk
A Victorian solar installation company that “repeatedly” put workers at risk when working at height has been convicted of failing to provide or maintain a safe workplace and fined $40,000.
Weekend read: Listening to the vocal community
As the Australian authorities launch rolling tenders for 32 GW of renewables and storage by 2030, it has become clear that some communities have not been brought onside. Heated debate on social media and a frenzy stoked by concerns about the impact on the natural environment are throwing up hurdles for renewables development.
Queensland locks 80% renewable energy by 2035 target into law
The Queensland government has entrenched the transformation of the state’s energy grid by passing laws locking in 80% renewable energy generation by 2035, a move it expects will create more than 100,000 new jobs in manufacturing, renewable energy generation, power transmission and industries of the future.
Federal government pumps millions into critical minerals projects
Two major critical minerals projects in Queensland and South Australia are to receive hundreds of millions of dollars in federal government loans as the Commonwealth seeks to deliver the building blocks for a ‘future made in Australia.’
SGC, SMO to deploy 100 MW of solar waste-to-energy in Australia
Australian project manager SGC will partner with French company SMO to install 100 MW of solar waste-to-energy systems in Australia. They aim to deploy a total of 50 waste-to-energy units in the next three years, with plans to scale up to 1 GW in the future.
Community group uses C&I solar profits to provide job opportunities
A volunteer-based community group is using profits generated by commercial and industrial rooftop solar installations to help build a “bridge to the future” as the Illawarra region on the New South Wales south coast transitions its workforce into new employment.
Longi denies massive layoff plan, says job cuts could reach up to 5%
Chinese solar manufacturer Longi has responded to recent media reports claiming that it might cut 30% of its global workforce.
