Australia’s lead on renewables will generate thousands of jobs

Early adoption of renewables has Australian-owned hydro, wind and solar schemes helping power economic recovery and employment.

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Say “renewable” and the first thought is likely environmental. But renewable energy is also helping keep the lights on for Australia’s economy – even as hydro, wind and solar options are expected to grow cost-saving measures for households over time.

Energy pricing and supply are complex, but Brian Spak – CSIRO’s leader, grids and renewable integration – said Australia is at the forefront of global sector changes, with nearly one in four homes already soaking up rooftop solar.

“Parts of our National Electricity Market (NEM) … have among the world’s highest levels of wind and solar, and arguably the world’s highest levels of residential solar PV,” Mr Spak said.

CSIRO’s Mr Brian Spak – leader, grids and renewable integration at CSIRO – said Australia is at the vanguard of the global energy sector transition to more renewables. “On Sunday, October 11, all electricity demand in South Australia was met with solar – either rooftop or large-scale,” he said. Picture: News Regional Media.

What is less known is that these domestic solar sources help feed the nation’s grid. According to Red Energy CEO Iain Graham, Red Energy buys an estimated 10 per cent of its energy supply from its own solar customers – to the tune of around 142,000 users.

Red Energy is the only certified Australian Made energy retailer, being 100 per cent Australian owned by renewable giant Snowy Hydro. In other words, Red Energy’s supply is from renewable sources and the company’s economic contributions – including jobs in its Melbourne call centre – remain right here on Australian shores.

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While environmental gains include Red Energy’s renewable matching promise to customers, further economic inputs flow from the nation’s renewable energy schemes. Snowy Hydro managing director Paul Broad said the benefits of Snowy 2.0 – Australia’s largest renewables project – reach well beyond predicted consumer savings from increased competition.

“We’re incredibly excited about the benefits the Snowy 2.0 project will bring, particularly to the Snowy Mountains region,” Mr Broad said.

“Over the course of the project it will generate around 4000 direct jobs and thousands more in supply chain and service roles.”

"We've had some wonderful apprentices and graduates go through our program who now have great careers working in our business, be that with Snowy Hydro or with Red Energy," said Snowy Hydro managing director Paul Broad. Picture: Supplied.

That supply chain includes 46 new homes purpose built to house 126 workers and a concrete factory contract for lining the all-important Snowy 2.0 tunnel. Employing 30 people in construction, another 125 jobs are literally in the pipeline once the tunnel is operational.

If Snowy Hydro’s traineeships, cadetships, apprenticeships and graduate programs are seeding renewable jobs, Mr Graham said Red Energy’s 100 per cent renewable supply to New South Wales’ University of Newcastle and Macquarie University also reflect younger Australians’ growing passion for a sustainable future.

“Both institutions reported that their students were actively seeking out universities that demonstrated a commitment to a sustainable and renewable energy future,” he said.

CEO of Red Energy, Iain Graham. Picture: supplied.

Easy electricity saving tips

Utility bills put pressure on most household budgets, particularly in present economic circumstances. Here are four energy saving tips heading into summer.

1. Check your water heater’s star rating – it’s usually the biggest culprit.

2. Check your fridge and freezer are set at the most energy-efficient temperatures.

3. Put full loads in the washing machine and choose the cold cycle.

4. Show your Aussie Hills hoist some love. Dryers are expensive and bad for the environment.

Buy Australian is a News Corp Initiative – in partnership with Woolworths and Australian Made Campaign and supported by Red Energy – to help put money back in to our economy by supporting our producers, makers and manufacturers.

Originally published as Australia’s lead on renewables will generate thousands of jobs