A big $1bn funding to kickstart a brand new solar energy program will take Australia “from pit to panels” and cement the nation as a clear vitality powerhouse whereas driving down vitality payments, the Prime Minister will announce on Thursday.
Talking from the previous coal-fired Liddell energy station within the NSW Hunter Valley, Anthony Albanese will replicate on Australia’s historic position within the growth of the photo voltaic panel and his intention for the nation to construct extra of them as a part of the transition to net-zero.
A couple of third of Australian households have photo voltaic, however just one per cent of photo voltaic panels are made in Australia.
The federal government’s Photo voltaic SunShot program, a significant pre-budget announcement, comes after laws was launched on Wednesday to ascertain the Internet Zero Financial system Authority to “catalyse funding” in a clear vitality future made within the areas.
Mr Albanese mentioned Australia “shouldn’t be the final hyperlink in a world provide chain constructed on an Australian invention”.
“I need a future made in Australia. I need a future made in our areas. Locations just like the Hunter which have powered our nation for greater than a century will energy our future,” he mentioned.
“We now have each metallic and significant mineral essential to be a central participant within the web zero transformation, and a confirmed observe report as a dependable vitality producer and exporter.
“Traditionally, Australia has been good at going from the mining pit to port, and lengthy could this proceed.
“However the Australian authorities will even put money into the trail from pit to panels and seize extra worth for our economic system and workforce.”
Local weather Change and Vitality Minister Chris Bowen mentioned the announcement was about “creating Australian jobs to assist manufacture” key expertise.
“We all know that the world’s local weather emergency is Australia’s jobs alternative, and $1bn to assist Australian manufacturing in photo voltaic expertise will assist seize that chance,” he mentioned.
Alongside Photo voltaic SunShot, the NSW authorities is delivering the NSW Internet Zero manufacturing initiative, with the primary spherical of $275m now open to open up the transformation of the state’s vitality grid to the state.
NSW Local weather Change and Vitality Minister Penny Sharpe mentioned the federal government’s recent announcement would ship “long run vitality invoice financial savings” and strengthen the state’s manufacturing sector.
“It’s nice to have the ability to align NSW and Commonwealth funding to assist clear vitality manufacturing, with this fund bolstering our $275m funding in Internet Zero Manufacturing that’s presently open for NSW innovators and companies,” she mentioned.
