BZE welcomes $550m Solar Sunshot

Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE) welcomes the Australian Renewable Energy Agency’s (ARENA) announcement of the first $550m of the $1 billion Solar Sunshot program, aimed at advancing solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing innovation in Australia. 

BZE CEO Heidi Lee said the independent think tank had been calling for government investment in Australian manufacturing capability across key high-deployment clean technologies.

BZE solar supply chain research supports the ARENA announcement and also recommends local content incentives within government contracts and schemes, to provide demand certainty for Australian-made cleantech, and to keep more of the benefits of the Solar Sunshot circulating in our communities.

China makes the lion’s share of the solar panels which go onto Australian rooftops, and we can instead manufacture these parts and panels in regions such as the Hunter, the Latrobe Valley, Illawarra and Central Queensland. These are all regions BZE has suggested can host renewables-powered industrial and manufacturing hubs.

These clean industry hubs are the best investment locations for new manufacturing facilities with existing infrastructure, transport logistics and skilled workforces.

This initiative marks a significant step towards building a robust and sustainable domestic solar industry that will underpin Australia’s ambitions as a renewable energy superpower.

Beyond Zero Emissions looks forward to collaborating with ARENA, industry partners, and other stakeholders to maximise the impact of the Solar Sunshot program. Through strategic coordination and early engagement, we can ensure that this funding drives real progress in decarbonising Australia.

BZE is an independent think tank that provides solutions that accelerate Australia towards a prosperous and zero-emissions future.

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Contact:

Heidi Lee, CEO

0418 258 081 or heidi.lee@bze.org.au