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.
EU production line of 5 to 10GW a year is possible and would help deliver the required 117GW-to-630GW capacity push, experts say as separate study touts PV’s job benefits for coal regions.
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.
IRENA: China, US, EU shed jobs but India, Southeast Asia and Brazil see gains in year when off-grid solar rose to fore as potentially major future employer.
Official stats find 210% rise in large-scale PV workforce in past two years but associations warn rules for mandatory electricians could stifle growth.
300,000-strong solar workforce could see bloc add 30 million rooftop installations by 2030, says SolarPower Europe as it anticipates new policy roadmap.
