The following statement is attributable to Clean Energy Council Chief Executive Kane Thornton:
“Today’s announcement by the Albanese Government of the $1 billion Solar Sunshot program to support the manufacturing of solar panels in Australia through production subsidies and grants is a major shot in the arm that will underpin our future as a renewable energy superpower.
“Australia has led the rest of the world in the research, development and uptake of rooftop solar systems, but we have thus far missed the opportunity to manufacture more of these components here at home. This is about to change.
“We are a country rich in renewable energy resources, such as land, coastline and sunshine that have yet to be harnessed to their full potential.
“More than 3.7 million Australian homes have installed rooftop solar, with almost half a million new systems being installed every year. This commitment will mean that more of these systems will contain products made right here in Australia.
“The missing piece of the puzzle here is establishing a strong sovereign manufacturing capability that captures this innovation and expertise to meet more of the extraordinary demand, both here and overseas, for solar products.
“We look forward to working with the Government on establishing a detailed design and timely implementation of this policy.”
ENDS
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