Federal Government delivers historic Budget for clean energy

Clean Energy Council Chief Executive, Kane Thornton, said this year’s Budget demonstrates resolute and ambitious leadership by the Albanese Government on the nation’s clean energy transition.

“This is a Budget that puts renewable energy at the centre of our economic future. The Government and the Australian people should be proud of this Budget,” Thornton said.

“The Government is doubling down on clean energy, which will deliver lower electricity prices, thousands of jobs in the clean economy and will set Australia up to fulfil its potential as a clean energy superpower.

“The support for green hydrogen is another massive step for our nascent green hydrogen industry.

“This will help Australia stay in the global race to produce green hydrogen and low-carbon liquid fuels and deliver on the enormous global demand for clean energy, fuels and green metals.

“This is a Budget that recognises renewables firmed by storage as the way to replace old coal and expensive gas, delivering the cleanest, cheapest form of energy for Australia’s future.

“The Government has taken a significant step towards ensuring Australia has the skilled workforce required for the energy transition. This demonstrates an understanding of the urgent need to support skills and training for the clean energy sector.

“The support for critical minerals in combination with support for our natural renewable resources will set Australia up to capitalise on the inevitable transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

“It delivers on the government’s recent commitment to a future made in Australia and will accelerate clean energy manufacturing opportunities.

“The Clean Energy Council has long advocated for a response to the United States Inflation Reduction Act and this Budget delivers on that.”

The Clean Energy Council continues to work closely with the Albanese Government across an array of key policy initiatives and will continue to provide advice on the implementation of these new initiatives.