A team from the University of Wollongong Business and Law Faculty, led by associate professor Tillmann Boehme, has been appointed by Business Illawarra to lead the development of an Illawarra Clean Energy Industry Roadmap.
Business Illawarra, the region’s peak business advocacy organisation, announced the research project – which will describe how best to retain the economic opportunities created by the forthcoming clean energy boom within the region.
Executive director of Business Illawarra Adam Zarth said, “Renewable energy generation and storage are increasingly important sectors for the region and this research will help our members better understand these opportunities now, and moving forward.”
The project will address areas of opportunity for Illawarra including workforce and employment opportunities, supply chains, governance and financing mechanisms and overall economic benefits arising from clean energy projects in the region.
UOW vic chancellor and president professor Patricia Davidson said, “Whether it is in offshore or onshore wind, clean hydrogen production, green energy storage or a range of other initiatives, this important research project aims to identify and create opportunities for green jobs in the Illawarra.”
The project will be guided by a Steering Group of prominent locally based companies and government representatives.
Amongst the community there is a strong consensus that the clean energy sector is a major economic opportunity for the region, however there needs to be a specific plan for how to maximise the benefits for local employers and the wider community.
The project aligns with the investments made by the Federal Government supporting energy futures and renewable energy.
“These opportunities have been recognised by the federal government which has invested in an Energy Futures Skills Centre and a Renewable Energy Training facility here in Wollongong, ” said Zarth.
Business Illawarra welcomes the NSW state governments announcement of the $275 million Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative which will provide grant funding for clean technology projects in NSW.
“We look forward to launching the research findings in July and continuing our advocacy for this important and growing sector in our region,” said Zarth.
Business Illawarra acknowledges and thanks the following organisations for their participation in this research: Oceanex, Hysata, BOC, KPMG, Squadron Energy, Endeavour Energy, BlueScope, ATCO, NSW Ports, Department of Regional NSW, Wollongong City Council and RDA Illawarra Shoalhaven.
