Go green: How to boost renewable energy in Australia? (benefits and barriers)

Asia Pacific Renewables and Power Workforce Management
Nana Terra

By Nana Terra
December 6, 2021

Updated
October 15, 2024

0 min read

Source: DisobeyArt/Shutterstock

The future depends on clean energy, and Australia knows that. Renewable electricity generation has more than doubled over the last decade in the region, with almost 40% of the country’s electricity coming from green sources. 

The best news is that the shift shows no sign of slowing down. The benefits of the energy transition can already be felt by the population, with the industry employing around 30,000 Australians.

The high number of renewable energy projects predicted for construction until 2030 will probably create more and more job opportunities.

Wind and solar are leading the way, but the country follows, investing in hydro and bioenergy and developing the battery storage and hydrogen sectors. 

Coal electricity generation remains the biggest contributor to Australia's greenhouse gas emissions. However, Australia's 2024 Integrated System Plan projects that coal will be nearly gone by 2034, and the entire fleet will be retired by 2038.

 


What are the barriers to making a green revolution in Australia?

Graph showing Australia's electricity generation mix from 1997-98 to 2023, highlighting shifts from coal to renewables."

In 2023, fossil fuels accounted for 65% of total electricity generation. This included coal (46%), gas (17%), and oil (2%). The share of coal in electricity generation continued to decrease, while the share of gas-fired generation was lower due to higher gas prices and increased generation from renewables. Renewables contributed 35% of total electricity generation in 2023.

Also, the clean industry will need to overcome ongoing grid connection and transmission challenges in the energy system. Watch the video below, "The Green Recovery: how Australia can clean up its act on energy", to learn more about it.

 

Spreading the clean energy benefits to convince Australians

Another challenge faced by the industry is to convince Australians that a 100 per cent renewable future is not only possible, but it's also already happening and benefiting the population. Some Australians still don't know its advantages.

Because of that, Clean Energy Council Australia has launched a campaign called Renewable Energy is Here Now, spreading facts about the sector, for example:

  • Three million homes across the country have rooftop solar.
  • There are over 30,000 jobs in renewables, and they are growing every day.
  • Renewable energy has almost tripled in the last decade.

According to Kane Thornton, the Clean Energy Council's Chief Executive, there is a clear business case for renewable energy.

The reality is, we know most Australians support renewable energy, but the climate debate has meant that a minority of loud voices have misled the public, resulting in some Australians feeling uncertain about a future powered by clean energy.

This campaign is about ensuring all Australians are certain about the facts and feel part of the exciting transition already taking place. It celebrates the work that the clean energy industry has already done to make a real difference to everyday Australians – lowering energy costs, delivering quality jobs and careers, and creating thriving, resilient communities.


Green jobs in demand in Australia

According to the Clean Energy Australia Report 2021, the construction boom for large-scale renewable energy projects has provided 10,395 MW and 13,502 jobs since 2017.

With continued acceleration in clean energy generation expected in upcoming years, we can anticipate an increase in renewable energy jobs. From 2025 to 2050, about 64,200 workers will be required to fill construction jobs.

The construction phase can take up to 3 years. Most construction workers are employed through subcontractors, who assign them to different energy projects. More than 50% of renewable energy employment is in engineering-type roles, including electrical and mechanical trades. Hiring managers will need to consider both how to retain and attract talent to meet project demand in Australia. 

As the project transitions into the asset management phase, remote workers continue to provide vital support, overseeing operations, maintenance, and troubleshooting through advanced monitoring systems. From 2025 to 2050, 129,600 jobs will be required to support the continual operations and maintenance of solar, wind, hydrogen, and storage infrastructure.

 

Graph showing projected construction and maintenance jobs in renewable energy sectors from 2025 to 2050.

Source: Accenture Analysis of data provided by Clamateworks 2023.


Green projects, regions, jobs and investments in renewable energy Australia

Map of Australia's renewable energy projects by region, showing project counts, investment, and workforce requirements through 2050


Airswift can help you

We are currently partnering with many companies in the sector, supporting projects through the full project lifecycle from design to construction. See below some of the roles and skillsets in Australia:

  • Construction / Project Director
  • Project Manager
  • Construction Manager
  • Civil Supervisor
  • Project Engineers
  • Contracts Manager / Admin
  • HSE Manager / Advisor
  • Logistics Manager / Coordinator
  • Project Admin
  • Quality Manager / Engineer
  • Primary / Secondary Design Engineer
  • Grid Connection Manager / Engineer
  • Commissioning Manager / Technicians
  • Electrical HVOA Supervisors
  • Maintenance Technicians
  • Wind Turbine Technicians
  • Asset Manager / Engineer

Visit our candidate portal

From the offices in Brisbane and Perth, our Renewable Energy division has been the best performing and fastest-growing division within ANZ since 2019. Today, there are 33 renewable energy projects supported in the region.

Map of Australia's renewable energy projects supported by Airswift

Want more insight into talent trends in the renewable energy industry? Click the link below to download our latest whitepaper.

Green Tech Talent Required to Boost Net Zero

 

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