VICTORIA’S business chamber has called on the state government to raise its ambition on climate action and achieve 95-per-cent renewable energy state-wide by 2035.<\/p>\n
The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has released a roadmap towards a net-zero economy for the state’s businesses.<\/p>\n
It argues that increased investment would help reduce the burden of energy costs and support businesses through the energy transition, while attracting private investment and establishing Victoria as a manufacturing leader in the renewable sector.<\/p>\n
A Chamber survey found that 53 per cent of businesses wanted to see more state spending in renewable infrastructure, while three-quarters said they didn’t get enough support for increased energy costs.<\/p>\n
The roadmap recommendations include a renewable energy roadmap from the government, financial support for renewable transitions including solar subsidies, and development of a skilled workforce for future energies.<\/p>\n
“The energy crisis is one of the biggest challenges businesses are facing in 2023,” Chamber CEO Paul Guerra said. “That’s why the Victorian Chamber is taking a proactive approach to raise awareness and provide practical solutions to reduce costs, ensure reliable energy supply and support businesses’ transition to a net-zero economy.<\/p>\n
“The transition to net-zero presents a unique opportunity for industry, and the Victorian economy. It is imperative that Victorian business and the state government take a leadership role and use the transition to a net-zero economy as an opportunity to drive economic growth.<\/p>\n
“Reducing emissions is about more than the environment; the renewable energy manufacturing sector could and should be a key component of Victoria’s manufacturing future.<\/p>\n
We have some of the best, if not the best, conditions for producing renewable energy in the world so we should be grasping this opportunity with both hands.”<\/p>\n
The state government presently has a target of all government operations, including services, hospitals and schools, to be powered by renewables by 2025.<\/p>\n
It also aims to cut its emissions to half of 2005 levels by 2030, and be net-zero by 2050.<\/p>\n
The government announced its latest targets in 2021, and it is due to set 2035 goals this year.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
VICTORIA’S business chamber has called on the state government to raise its ambition on climate action and achieve 95-per-cent renewable energy state-wide by 2035. The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has released a roadmap towards a net-zero economy for the state’s businesses. It argues that increased investment would help reduce the burden of energy […]<\/p>\n