A shift to renewable power could be achievable for Victorian manufacturers if the state government introduces emissions reduction targets to move away from expensive fossil fuel power, a new Beyond Zero Emissions report reveals.
Beyond Zero Emissions is a climate change think tank using independent research and developing solutions on how Australian can achieve near zero or no emissions. In its latest report, Electrifying the Manufacturing State, it found making the switch to renewable electricity could double manufacturing efficiency and subsequently drive productivity growth, innovation, exports and create more jobs across the state, as part of an effort to decarbonise the manufacturing industry.
Beyond Zero Emissions CEO Vanessa Petrie said the technology Victorian manufacturers need to move to zero carbon emissions is already here.
“Tools such as industrial heat pumps, electrical magnetic heating and electric arc heating are already making huge inroads into reducing manufacturing emissions in countries such as Japan, the United States, Sweden and the Netherlands.”
“We need the state government to provide the policy framework to make them readily available and price competitive on the domestic market.”
The report states Australian manufacturing “consumes more energy per dollar of output than any other developed country”, where legislation for a 50 per cent renewable energy targe by 2030 can signal to investors and industry that Victoria is serious in transitioning.
South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance CEO Vonda Fenwick said manufacturers are working to bring down emissions, with the organisation committed to connecting manufacturers with renewable suppliers.
“We’ve already seen manufacturers reducing their emissions, as seen in the wide-spread adoption of solar energy systems by Melbourne industry,” said Fenwick.
“Victorian manufacturing is dynamic and adaptive. Businesses across the state are adopting renewables and making energy efficiency gains, which brings down power bills and reduces emissions.”
Petrie added that state and industry can work together to show leadership in setting an emissions reduct target to help “lower power prices, save jobs and propel the state’s manufacturing sector to new heights”.
The Electrifying the Manufacturing State report can be accessed here.
