Jobs and growth – it’s what politicians promise. It’s what renewable energy could deliver for Australia – 28,000 jobs nationally – with a boosted target.
The Renewable Energy: Future Jobs and Growth report released yesterday by the Climate Council states 50% renewable electricity by 2030 will generate almost 50% more employment than our current target of 34% by 2030 will provide.
A 50% target would see each state ahead and more than make up for any job losses in the coal sector.
Under such a scenario, New South Wales would see a net growth in jobs of around 11,000, Queensland 6,000 and Victoria 4,000. South Australia and NSW would experience the largest per capita jobs growth.
More than half of new jobs would be created in the rooftop solar PV sector and a significant chunk of employment under a boosted target would occur in regional areas.
In addition to jobs and growth, the Climate Council states reaching at least 50% renewable electricity generation by 2030 would be crucial to assisting Australia meet its share of the global commitment to address climate change.
The report notes Australia’s coal-fired power stations are among the oldest and least efficient in the world.
Currently, Australia’s electricity market is still dominated by fossil fuel-based electricity generation, with just 14.6% of electricity coming from renewable sources. A 50% target would result in 22% less black coal consumption nationally.
“Research has shown that we need to source at least half of our electricity from renewables by 2030 to be on track to completely decarbonise power generation by 2050, which is essential to tackle climate change,” said Andrew Stock; Climate Councillor and energy expert.
This report is based on EY’s Australian electricity forecast model, which has been used to generate the BAU (Business As Usual) and 50RE (50% Renewable Energy) scenarios.
Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie says the research highlights that well thought out plans for winding down coal fired power generation is a better approach to supporting coal communities; rather than leaving it to market forces to dictate coal plant closures.
The 60-page Renewable Energy: Future Jobs and Growth report can be downloaded here (PDF).
