February 29, 2024

Roadmap to localise economic benefits of clean energy industry

UOW researchers lead project on how to retain economic opportunities of clean energy boom within the region

A highly experienced team from the University of Wollongong Business and Law Faculty, led by Associate Professor Tillmann Boehme (pictured) , 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 – on Thursday (29 February).

University of Wollongong Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Patricia Davidson said the project would look at a range of areas of opportunity for the Illawarra including workforce and employment opportunities, supply chains, governance and financing mechanisms and overall economic benefits arising from clean energy projects in the region.

"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,” Professor Davidson said.

The project will be guided by a Steering Group of prominent locally based companies and government representatives.

Executive Director of Business Illawarra Adam Zarth said that while there was strong consensus that the clean energy sector was a major economic opportunity for the region, there needed to be a specific plan for how to maximise the benefits for local employers and the wider community.

“Following on from the Clean Energy Summit we hosted at BlueScope last year with the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, we are excited about unlocking opportunities in the clean energy space for the region.”

“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,” said Mr Zarth. 

“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.”

“Similarly, we welcome the announcement this week by the state government of the $275 million Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative which will provide grant funding for clean technology projects in NSW, which we hope to see heavily invested here in the Illawarra.”

“We look forward to launching the research findings in July and continuing our advocacy for this important and growing sector in our region.”

Business Illawarra acknowledged and thanked 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.