Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE) warmly welcomes the Australian Government's announcement of the Future Made in Australia Act.
BZE CEO Heidi Lee said the independent think tank had been calling for government investment in Australian manufacturing capability, having highlighted through its research that Australia's natural advantages in terms of existing infrastructure, materials, a skilled mining industry, regional workforce and more.
"This is excellent news for every Australian household, who will see the cost of energy fall as we bring online new renewables at scale, and for local businesses to sell their products into the clean economy" Ms Lee said.
"Communities in regional Australia stand to benefit from the investment in affordable and reliable clean energy, and modern infrastructure that will link our resource-rich areas to clean industry clusters built around our established ports and smelters. This will see jobs and prosperity flow to places that need it most.
"The energy shift is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build high-paid careers in regional Australia, and this latest announcement puts skilled workers at the centre of our clean energy future
"It's fantastic to see Australia step off the sidelines of the global clean energy race, and set up our communities to capitalise on our critical minerals by manufacturing solar panels, wind turbines with recyclable blades, batteries, heat pumps and parts for electric vehicles.
"We're not starting from zero in terms of manufacturing in Australia - our research shows that we already have Australian companies doing bits and pieces, and we can scale this up and coordinate so we're making the most of our natural advantages.
BZE is calling for a suite of measures, including investment national coordination, production credits and equity funding in strategic clean technologies to catalyse onshore manufacturing in the May Federal Budget.
BZE is an independent think tank that provides solutions that accelerate Australia towards a prosperous and zero-emissions future.
