The first ever survey into diversity in the Australian clean energy sector.
Share this report
28 Oct 2021
Empowering Everyone: Diversity in the Australian Clean Energy Sector provides a comprehensive snapshot of the professional and social identities that make up the Australian clean energy workforce.
Covering categories such as education, cultural background, age, sexuality and disability, the report will allow the industry to identify where systemic barriers and inequities may exist so that we can develop strategies to create a more inclusive and equitable clean energy sector.
Diversity brings balance and a range of viewpoints that, while sometimes challenging, only serves to make up better people and to build a stronger and more relevant business.
Survey respondent
Key findings
Larger organisations dominate the utility-scale renewable energy sector, with almost 50 per cent of the workforce employed by an organisation with more than 200 employees.
Women make up 39 per cent of the Australian clean energy workforce. While this is less than the total Australian workforce, it is better than the average for the global renewable energy industry.
68 per cent of the Australian clean energy workforce was born in Australia, which is similar to the entire Australian population. The 30–40 age group is the most diverse, while the over 60 category is the least diverse.
Almost 20 per cent of employees have experienced disadvantage at work due to their diversity.
Joint submission to AEMC on security framework enhancements and clarity and transparency in security
Our joint submission to AEMC on security framework enhancements and clarity and transparency in security frameworks calls for the consolidation of the two rule change proposals, improved governance of Essential System Services, clearer planning and reporting obligations and more streamlined procurement processes.
Submission on IPART’s Review of the regulatory framework for Supply Connection Infrastructure in NSW
Our submission to IPART’s review of supply connection infrastructure in NSW highlights that proposed additional regulation for dedicated connection asset (DCA) operators could increase barriers to entry. It also outlines alternative approaches to manage risks within existing frameworks, while maintaining competition to support investment in new renewable energy projects.
Clean Energy Council response to Channel 7 Spotlight program
Ensuring integrity in supply chains is a serious global issue that cuts across multiple industries worldwide, and it deserves sustained attention from governments, companies and civil society as well as the global community.
Submission to DCCEEW on the draft Catalogue of Measures
Our submission to DCCEEW on the draft catalogue of measures to avoid and mitigate collisions of birds and bats with wind farms, calling for greater clarity on integration with the EPBC Act approval process and the Australian Collision Risk Framework, a risk-based decision matrix and model conditions, and clearer direction on curtailment, data limitations, cumulative impacts, regulatory constraints and emerging technologies.
Submission to DCCEEW on the draft Australian Collision Risk Framework
Our submission to DCCEEW on the draft Australian Collision Risk Framework for onshore and offshore wind farms calls for a proportionate, risk-based approach that avoids overly conservative outcomes and provides greater clarity on integration with the EPBC Act approval process.
Submission on WA draft Renewable Energy Planning Code and accompanying Guidelines
The Clean Energy Council has submitted feedback to the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (WA) on the Draft Renewable Energy Planning Code and accompanying Guidelines, calling for greater certainty around noise compliance, increased turbine envelopes for micro-siting and changes to development application requirements.
