Australian mining magnate Andrew Forrest’s Squadron Energy will invest AU$3 billion (US$2.16 billion) in wind, solar and battery storage project in Central Queensland, Australia.
The US could create between 500,000 – 600,000 jobs across the solar, wind and battery storage sectors if it reaches 50 – 70% renewables generation by 2030, research from new trade body the American Clean Power Association suggests.
New York state will this year contract for 23 large-scale solar farms and one hydroelectric facility with a combined capacity of more than 2.2GW, as Governor Andrew Cuomo outlines efforts to spur on private investment in clean energy and drive job creation.
The US clean energy industry ended last year with the fewest number of workers since 2015, as impacts of the coronavirus pandemic mean 12% of the sector’s workforce is unemployed.
The Australian Capital Territory branch of the country’s Labor Party will offer zero-interest loans for rooftop solar panels, household battery storage and hot water heat pumps if re-elected in an upcoming election.
Western Australia will invest AU$56.3 million (US$40.11 million) in solar power as part of a new renewable energy plan designed to kickstart the state’s economy following the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Australia has the potential to create up to 15,000 jobs in large-scale renewable energy, including solar and wind farms, an analysis commissioned by the Climate Council says.
Country mired by past climate rows employs 25,000 green energy workers today and could double the headcount by 2025 if it focuses on renewables post-COVID, CEC review finds.
Switching to full renewables by 2050 in line with climate goals would see global solar create 22 million of a total 35 million new energy sector jobs, with batteries employing 4.5 million.
