SA CLEAN JOBS PLAN: NEW REPORT
NEW ECONOMIC MODELLING from AlphaBeta has found that 7,000 jobs can be created in South Australia, rapidly getting people back into the workforce while also tackling climate change.
"The Clean Jobs Plan identifies a dozen policy options which can create jobs fast, where they are needed and for people who need them most. The job creation could start immediately and continue over three years," said AlphaBeta Director, Andrew Charlton.
"In South Australia thousands of extra jobs could be created in large scale renewable energy, transmission and battery storage. There are also hundreds of potential jobs in ecosystem restoration, green hydrogen and making homes more energy efficient," said Mr Charlton.
Report Key Findings
In SA, up to 2,500 jobs could be created in large-scale renewable energy, transmission and battery storage; up to 800 jobs in ecosystem restoration and revegetation; up to 600 jobs in making homes more energy efficient; up to 200 jobs in the emerging green hydrogen industry; up to 50 jobs in electric vehicle charging networks. Some jobs could be created now; all would be created within 3 years.
Economic stimulus can pay long-term dividends and set us up for the future by creating jobs, kick starting the economy and tackling climate change simultaneously.
Investments in clean jobs will have a lasting benefit for the economy, reducing energy costs, producing reliable clean power and developing new industries.
"The opportunities identified in our modelling work are shovel ready and will make a difference throughout South Australia. Many of the jobs would require less than 12 months of retraining, meaning that workers displaced by the COVID-19 crisis could be rapidly employed," said Mr Charlton.
"In South Australia there are ample opportunities for ecosystem restoration and revegetation projects," said the Climate Council's CEO Amanda McKenzie.
"The work includes restoration of forests and wetlands, protective fencing and other projects that absorb carbon and prevent land degradation. The majority of these jobs require minimal training so would be available to a wide range of job seekers," said Ms McKenzie.
"South Australia has been a leader in the transition to renewable energy and is looking at harnessing that power to produce green hydrogen. Our report finds it can capitalise on existing infrastructure to create another 200 jobs in this area," she said.
"Significantly, investment in pilot-scale green hydrogen facilities would unlock $4 of private investment for every dollar of public investment.
"The Clean Jobs Plan is unique because of the speed at which it can get people back to work. It puts us on a practical, jobs-rich path and focuses on areas most in need. It sets us up for the future, by creating jobs and tackling climate change. It's a win-win solution," said Ms McKenzie.
The Clean Jobs Plan was commissioned by the Climate Council. AlphaBeta is part of Accenture.
