Cleaner and more affordable power: The Australian government is deeply committed not only to investing in large, grid-scale projects but also to providing households and communities with more choices and empowerment as to how they generate and use energy.  

Supporting clean energy transmission

The announcement by the NSW government to allocate $800 million to fast-track the connection of regional energy projects to the grid will ensure that cleaner, more affordable energy becomes available sooner.

In the words of Treasurer Jim Chalmers, Australia can “power the world” as a renewable energy superpower. The announcement follows the earlier declaration by the federal and NSW governments of a $7.8 billion plan for the Snowy 2.0 hydropower scheme, along with the integration of several renewable energy zones into the grid.

The workforce to support this investment

Australia requires not only a workforce to build the required energy infrastructure but also the expertise to engage with numerous new and emerging energy technologies. Currently, Australia relies on a limited workforce in this regard. 

To address this shortage, there is a critical need for a pipeline of skill transfer and training to fully support the sector in sustainable growth in the future. A nationally consistent approach necessitates nationally recognised qualifications. 

Education pathways

One of the first few steps in installing renewable energy is to ensure that key talent possess the requisite skills and knowledge. This may involve completing training classes and obtaining relevant certifications.

Resolute Training offers a range of courses designed exclusively for the renewable energy sector:

• Grid Connected PV systems
• Grid Connected Battery Storage
• Stand-Alone Power Systems
• Certificate IV in Electrical (Renewable Energy) – UEE4322

Several noteworthy highlights from the renewable energy sector include:

• a new allocation of $75 million for microgrid projects in First Nations communities, announced by ARENA (Australian Renewable Energy Agency)
• robust demand for community batteries across Australia, with a tenfold increase in funding under Round 1 of the Community Batteries Funding program, totalling $120 million. ARENA shortlisted 31 applications covering every state and territory for further consideration
• in the fiscal year 2022-23, ARENA approved funding of $544.1 million to 60 projects valued at over $3.5 billion and much, much more

Government support

The positive outcome of this sustained focus is an anticipated increase in government support, promotion, grants, and incentives – both financial and otherwise – to foster ongoing growth.

Grants funded by the Australian federal and state governments include:

• matching grants ranging from $100,000 to $50 million for SMEs and large-scale industries
• funding of up to $1 million for initiatives co-funded by the receiving company
• grants ranging from from $2,500 to $12,500  for non-profit organisations in eligible locations, to install solar panels, store batteries or use solar water systems
• free on-farm energy assessment for SMEs involved in farming businesses to improve their energy savings and explore new renewable energy sources
• funding up to $3,000 for the installation of  solar panels or upgrading energy storage systems

Train and develop your staff today

If you are considering qualifying your staff appropriately and need assistance in identifying accessible grants and subsidies for which you may be eligible, please contact us to schedule an appointment today.

Resources:
More information for employers on getting started in renewable energy

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