Victoria's push for a separate and binding state renewable energy target is a welcome recognition of the jobs and investment benefits that can flow from renewable energy projects, the Clean Energy Council said today.
Clean Energy Council Chief Executive Kane Thornton said many state governments and local councils were looking for ways that could attract more investment and job opportunities from the sector into their state.
"Renewable energy has massive potential for job creation and flow-on benefits for contractors, accommodation providers, local shops, suppliers and even pie sellers," Mr Thornton said.
"Resolving the current impasse on the federal Renewable Energy Target (RET) is critical and would mean many projects will go ahead and have the potential to create tens of thousands of jobs and tens of billions of dollars of investment right across the country.
"However, a reduced target as is currently being negotiated will mean less investment and fewer job opportunities than state governments had been anticipating.
"It's encouraging to see states such as Victoria investigating ways that can further accelerate renewable energy and take advantage of the opportunities that come with that. There is a lot that can be done at the state level and the CEC has put forward a range of ideas and solutions for state governments."
Mr Thornton said the ACT Government had clearly shown the power of what state governments could achieve, driving investment in the renewable energy industry during a long period of investment uncertainty created by the review of the RET.
"The ACT reverse auction process has helped support the sector during a challenging period, with a major solar power plant already completed, and a series of other major projects in development," he said.
"We look forward to working with the Victorian Government on ways to drive more clean energy and jobs in the state."
