The release of a report into Australia’s clean energy sector has highlighted a lack of take up by Australia’s three largest states.

The Clean Energy Australia report, released by the Clean Energy Council, highlights that whilst 13.47% of all electricity generation in 2014 was through renewable sources, the take up rate in NSW, Victoria and QLD was well below the national average.

The penetration of renewable energy sources across total electricity generation in New South Wales was just 6%, Queensland at 7% while Victoria delivered just 10%.  These figures contrast with Tasmania and South Australia where 95% and 40% of energy generation is respectively derived from renewable sources.

The CEO of the National Electrical and Communications Association, Suresh Manickam said that the figures represent a lost opportunity for investment across Australia’s three most populous states.

“With just 6% of electricity generated from wind, solar and water in NSW, golden opportunities are going begging for investment and employment opportunities. With almost three million households across the state of New South Wales – investment in new, job creating projects in this sector should be limitless.”

“All states and territories need to be doing their bit to encourage renewable energy investment.”

Mr Manickam also noted the drop in solar panel installations over the past three years with a corresponding increase in annual installed capacity.

“Whilst the capacity for solar panel installations has gone up, installation numbers have now dropped for the third straight year, suggesting a lack of interest or knowledge about their installation benefits.”

“NECA believes that further opportunities exist to educate consumers about the importance of clean energy. Evidence exists that consumers want to be environmental citizens and are keen to participate in pilot projects and trial programs to make greater use of renewable energy products,” Mr Manickam said.

“We call upon State and Federal Governments to provide increased subsidies for this sector. Australia has a massive opportunity here by way of job creation, greater reliance on clean energy and advancements in better technology. Underlying all of this is the Australian consumers expectation that we transition, at a much greater rate, towards clean energy.”

-ENDS-

Media enquiries and interviews

Barry Jackson – National Marketing and Communications

E barry.jackson@neca.asn.au

D 02 9962 6904

M 0457 767 328

Notes for editors

1. NECA is the peak industry body representing the interests of electrical and communications contractors Australia-wide.
2. NECA is run by electrical contractors, for electrical contractors.
3. We have 5,000 contracting companies as members – and they in turn employ over 50,000 people Australia-wide.
4. NECA employs almost 350 people across its seven chapters (Queensland, New South Wales, ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia).
5. The chapters provide NECA members with a range of services including: Industrial Relations, Health & Safety, Legal, Technical, Training, business-support services, product discounts and advocacy representation in Canberra with Government, Industry bodies and Training bodies.
6. NECA wholly-owns its Legal firm, Group Training and the NECA Colleges (in WA) and EcoSmart Electricians – and has joint ventures with a superannuation company (NSW) and one of the national cabling registrars (ACRS).
7. NECA also employ around 2,000 apprentice electricians and provides training to a further 2,000.
8. For further information go to www.neca.asn.au.