Let’s support an Australian renewable export COVID-19 stimulus package
The world is facing a once-in-a-lifetime challenge as we start to rebuild from COVID-19. But it could be Australia’s once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
We have a choice. Australia can invest in old technologies and get left behind as the rest of the world shifts to a low carbon future. Or we could emerge from this crisis as a renewable energy super power in a post-COVID world.
A renewable-led recovery would create over 100,000 direct jobs and future-proof our economy.
It would bring manufacturing back to our shores, grow existing industries, unlock new industries and boost global exports.
Every dollar of stimulus spent on clean energy projects generates nearly three times as many jobs per dollar than investment in fossil fuel projects.
That’s why we’re calling on the Australian Government, and the states to support a $2 billion renewable-led stimulus package.
Together with business and industry leaders, we’re asking for five targeted stimulus measures:
- Battery nation: Let’s unlock Australia’s potential to become a leader in global battery manufacturer.
A $500 million government investment would position Australia as a global leader in the advanced manufacturing revolution. We could become the ‘battery nation’, while creating 4,500 manufacturing jobs and an additional 2,300 jobs in construction and installation. Learn more about how we can do this.
- Local solar: Let’s deliver at least one new solar project in every community across the country
A $500 million government investment would deliver the biggest solar roll-out Australia has ever seen. It would create up to 5,000 jobs and cut the cost of energy for thousands of schools, hospitals, country fire stations and Indigenous communities across regional Australia.
- Electric bus revolution: Let’s convert Australia’s buses to electric; we can make the world’s best buses right here, and sell them across the globe
A $240 million government investment would see Australia fast-track the electric bus revolution and build a national manufacturing sector supplying electric buses to the world. This would double our current bus manufacturing workforce from 10,000 to 20,000.
- Modernising manufacturing: Let’s convert our manufacturing industries to renewable power sources, so they can be resilient and competitive in a global market
Australian industry is the most energy inefficient in the developed world. With a $520 million government investment, we can reduce energy bills and boost the efficiency of Aussie manufacturing, while creating 22,000 new jobs.
- Accelerating renewable hydrogen: Let’s accelerate renewable hydrogen and become a global supplier of the ‘fuel of the future’
With a $225 million government investment we can manufacture renewable hydrogen right here using Aussie infrastructure and export it to the world. This would increase our fuel security and put us at the forefront of an expanding global market.
Download the full reports:
Australia renewable export COVID-19 recovery package
Delivering economic stimulus through renewables
WWF Federal Budget submission
WWF-BZE Renewable Energy Industrial Precincts
Hydrogen Position Paper
Renewable Recovery Global Comparison