Representatives of Australia’s biggest clean energy companies say if Climate 200-backed political players are serious about renewables, they should get behind mega-projects such as wind and solar farms and transmission that are essential for meeting emissions reduction commitments.

Richie Merzian, who leads the Clean Energy Investor Group, backed calls for a stronger political defence of the country’s fledgling offshore wind industry after a swathe of otherwise pro-renewables independent candidates expressed doubt about several major projects.