As the Australian Government accelerates the transition to renewable energy, over 60,000 clean energy jobs might be produced in Australia, with the majority in regional areas, including positions in energy efficiency, management, and electrification.
In a statement, the Commonwealth Government said that after the previous government ignored renewable energy jobs for nine years, a clearer view of employment demands in the energy sector is desperately needed.
As the global race to renewable energy picks up speed, the Australian Energy Employment Report (AEER) survey will directly interact with employers through an online questionnaire and provide a more detailed understanding of current, and future workforce concerns to support the development of the jobs and training essential to Australia’s energy transformation.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the report would help policymakers across governments make decisions once it was released in the middle of each year.
“Australia is going to need thousands of workers every year entering the energy sector to build the massive infrastructure projects our energy grid needs and meet our emissions reduction targets,” Minister Bowen stated.
Minister Bowen said they are supporting energy sector jobs through 10,000 New Energy Apprentenships, guaranteeing workers are trained for future jobs as Australia transitions to a renewable energy superpower.
“But we currently lack the data to forecast accurately how these jobs are changing. The government is addressing this through the long overdue Australian Energy Employment Report, an online national survey of businesses in the energy sector to identify current and future workforce issues,” Minister Bowen added.
According to the Minister, his department prepared the survey in collaboration with industry associations, academic institutions, and other important players to assist companies in the global energy transformation.
“The findings will give federal, state and local governments insights into the energy job market to help develop policies on jobs, skills development and training opportunities, and I encourage energy businesses across the country to participate in this important survey,” Minister Bowen stated.
Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Jenny McAllister said the AEER survey would contribute to Australia’s overall energy transformation.
“The AEER will guide businesses right around the country to improve workforce planning and give them the certainty they need to invest,” Senator McAllister stated.
Senator McAllister added that solid workforce data has been long overdue, and it will aid in the execution of the national electric car and energy performance strategies that are now being established, as well as provide a snapshot of workforce diversity to enable better equity.
“This report will help us progress our goal of increasing gender equality in the industry. Women make up less than 39% of the clean energy sector workforce, mapping the workforce opportunities will help us close this gap,” Senator McAllister said.
The Australian Energy Market Operator estimates that by 2025, the eastern Australian states will require an additional 12,000 workers in construction to complete the planned renewable generating, storage, and transmission projects.
By then, 31,000 additional people will be required if Australia is to achieve its goal of becoming a significant supplier of green hydrogen.
