What is net zero
Australia is undergoing an economic transformation as we reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
The goal is to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 – which simply means we stop adding to the problem of global warming.
As Australia switches from coal fired power to renewable energy, like wind and solar power, it will generate new industries, reskill and train our people, and boost our economy.
Bringing new energy to Australia for generations to come.
What net zero transformation means
The economic change means we will transition from coal fired power to renewable energy, like wind and solar power, bringing new energy to homes and businesses.
This will require both public and private investment and will create new jobs, especially in regional areas. New industries based on clean energy and our abundant mineral resources will drive the transformation of our economy.
The transformation will be supported by a Future Made in Australia. A Future Made in Australia is about creating new jobs and opportunities for every part of our country by maximising the economic and industrial benefits of the move to net zero and securing Australia’s place in a changing global economic and strategic landscape.
The Australian Government is working with regional communities to seize these economic opportunities and ensure their benefits are shared.
Projects supporting the net zero transformation
Gladstone and Central Queensland
Gladstone Green Energy Manufacturing (GEM) Centre - Fortescue
The GEM centre is home to the Gladstone Electrolyser Facility (GEF) - Australia’s largest hydrogen electrolyser manufacturer, and the under-construction Proton Exchange Membrane 50-megawatt (PEM50) project. Electrolysers divide water into their component parts to produce green energy without using fossil fuels.
Together, GEF and the PEM50 project represent Queensland’s ambition to be at the forefront of Australia’s successful transition to renewable energy.
Subsequent project development stages of the GEM Centre are planned and could include additional electrolyser technology production lines, industrial scale testing, hydrogen refuelling and liquefaction stations, and associated renewable energy infrastructure.
Bringing new energy to Central Queensland
Central Queensland has been powering Australia for generations and now we're bringing new energy to our region.
Already, clean energy projects across Australia, like this one in Gladstone, are generating new local jobs, training our people, boosting our economy and making energy more affordable, powering central QLD for generations to come.
Find out more at futuremadeinaustralia.gov.au
Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.
Other projects
Located in Rockhampton the Bouldercombe Battery Energy Storage System, is a large-scale battery energy storage project.
It is one of the first stand-alone, large scale battery operated systems in Queensland and connects directly to the Queensland electricity grid.
It has the potential to power more than 4,000 homes annually. Its storage capacity helps change the way energy supply is managed during peak demand times.
Located in Gladstone the Alpha HPA Precursor Production facility uses a solvent extraction and refining technology to produce high quality aluminium products in commercial quantities. With corrosion-resistance and durability, aluminium is widely used to build renewable energy platforms like solar panels and wind turbines.
The facility hosts a state-of-the-art testing laboratory focussing on improving process purity and quality control. The first stage of the facility operates 24/7 and runs on 100% renewable energy and has created 34 full time jobs in the local community, with 44% occupied by women.
Hunter, New South Wales
Concentrated solar thermal project - CSIRO
The CSIRO Concentrated solar thermal facility, located at the Newcastle Energy Centre is exploring new ways of capturing thermal energy from sunlight.
The Energy Centre in Newcastle contains the only high-temperature solar thermal research facility of its type in Australia, home to the largest high-concentration solar test facility in the Southern Hemisphere.
Concentrated solar thermal technology focuses sunlight onto a target enabling capture of solar energy at very high temperatures. This heat can be used directly in industrial processes or to generate electricity by heating water for steam to turn a turbine.
Bringing new energy to the Hunter
The Hunter's been powering Australia for generations and now we're bringing new energy to our region.
Already, clean energy projects across Australia, like this one in Newcastle, are generating new local jobs, training our people, boosting our economy and making energy more affordable, powering the Hunter for generations to come.
Find out more at futuremadeinaustralia.gov.au.
Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.
Other projects
The focus of the Hunter Water renewable energy project is the installation of renewable energy systems at treatment plants and pump stations across the Hunter Water network.
The newly installed solar systems currently generate electricity to power Hunter Water facilities. This helps reduce impacts on the environment and decrease ongoing electricity costs.
The major investment in over 6 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy is a key step in helping Hunter Water achieve their carbon reduction target to be net zero by 2035.
Located in Newcastle the Thermal Demonstration Plant involves the design, manufacture and operation of a demonstration-scale thermal energy storage system.
The project includes building and demonstrating the performance of the thermal energy storage system technology in a test environment, simulating a variety of end-use applications. These include power generation and use, process heat and green hydrogen production. The project will also produce data and insights to inform business cases for future application of the technology.
Available supports
Communities most likely to be affected by the transition to net zero will be supported by the Australian Government and entities like the newly established Net Zero Economy Authority. These supports will ensure the people that have powered Australia for generations are not left behind in the transition.
Regional supports
The Government is investing in supports and services for workers, families, employers and communities to help them through Australia’s transition to net zero.
Regional Workforce Transition Officers support the regional transformation to a net zero economy by listening to its needs, understanding the local labour market, and working with stakeholders to connect them with emerging industries, workforce, and job opportunities.
Skills and training programs
- The New Energy Apprenticeships Program provides financial payments of up to $10,000 to assist apprentices to skill up in clean energy sectors.
- The New Energy Apprentices Mentoring Program supports the training of apprentices to build a clean energy workforce
Resources
- Learn more about the different types of renewable energy contributing to Australia’s net zero transformation.
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