Coalition pledges more local content in renewables projects

THE state Coalition is trying to improve its green credentials, pledging that major renewable energy projects will have to meet increased local content requirements under a Liberal-Nationals government.

Under the policy, renewable energy projects worth more than $50 million will have to use 75 per cent local Victorian content, including materials, supplies and labour.

Projects more than $50 million that do not meet this 75 per cent requirement will only have their planning applications approved if they can prove local suppliers do not have capacity or there are no local suppliers of specific items.

Opposition Leader Matthew Guy announced the policy during a visit to renewable energy manufacturer Keppel Prince Energy in Portland last week, alongside Shadow Minister for Energy and Resources David Southwick and South West Coast MP Roma Britnell.

“If we do renewables right, it can mean cheaper energy and great jobs for regional Victoria,” Mr Guy said.

“Renewable energy is the future, which is why we need to start developing local industries now and this policy will give local manufacturers the certainty and stability they need to invest and create more local jobs.”

Mr Southwick said Labor’s local content requirements were “weak”, and meant local workers had missed out on growth in Victoria’s renewables industry.

“This announcement will deliver certainty for local businesses such as Keppel Prince and secure jobs in renewables throughout regional Victoria.”

However, environmental groups are sceptical of the new policy, with Yes 2 Renewables co-ordinator Pat Simons stating in a letter to the media that the Coalition must drop its plan to scrap the Victorian Renewable Energy Target (VRET).

“Without a plan to grow the renewable energy sector over the next decade, Matthew Guy is putting at risk thousands of new jobs in the renewable energy sector – 75 per cent of zero is still zero.”