New Projects Pledged to Spark Renewable Renaissance in Coal-Dependent Regions

The Labor government has continued its criticism of the opposition’s nuclear plan citing the CSIRO, AEMO, and Geoscience Australia.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen speaks to guests at the APAC Hydrogen Summit in Brisbane, Australia on Sept. 13, 2024. AAP Image/Jono Searle

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will unveil a new solar energy plant in Wodonga and TAFE training centre in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales as part of a broader vision to steer coal-reliant regions towards renewable job creation.

The federal and NSW governments will pledge $60 million over five years for the Hunter Net Zero Manufacturing Centre at Newcastle’s TAFE, and another $17 million to fund Australia’s first commercial solar thermal heat plant in Victoria’s Wodonga by 2026.