January 20, 2025
Federal government incentives to help the Australian aluminium smelting industry go green have been welcomed by experts, including spokespeople in the Hunter Valley.
The federal government is offering $2bn in credits to the country's aluminium industry to speed up the transition to production methods which don’t generate climate pollution. Under the scheme, aluminium smelters switching to renewable energy by 2036 will get federal funds for every ton produced.
Prime Minister Anothony Albanese is holding a press conference in the Hunter at midday today near the site of the Tomago Aluminum Smelter, which is one of four major smelters in Australia. The others are in Portland, Victoria, Bell Bay, Tasmania and Boyne Island, Queensland.
The following experts are available for comment and analysis:
Simon Currie, Energy Estate co-founder and chief projects officer, said:
"Australia plays a leading role in the global aluminium supply chain from bauxite mining to alumina refining and our domestic aluminium smelters. Refining and smelting are energy intensive industries and Australia can lead the world in harnessing our abundant clean energy resources to produce green aluminium.
“Energy Estate develops large scale clean energy ecosystems focussed on industrial hubs like Gladstone and Newcastle and we work closely with Beyond Zero Emissions to promote the opportunities for renewable energy industrial precincts across regional Australia. Accelerating the decarbonisation of the aluminium smelters at Boyne and Tomago can secure their long term future and protect the jobs of thousands of skilled workers. Green metal manufacturing in these hubs will anchor their transformation, attracting vital new industries such as renewable fuels, data centers and advanced manufacturing."
Bob Hawes, Business Hunter CEO, said:
"The Hunter is one of the country's major manufacturing hubs, and as such has huge energy demands for various industrial processes – large financial incentives are required to help our local businesses to transition to clean energy.
“If the aluminium smelter at Tomago can access these credits to decarbonise its processes, it will allow it to remain competitive in the global green metals market. This initiative will also have positive flow on effects and be of significant comfort to the range of support businesses that rely on Tomago Aluminium for their business. It has the potential to facilitate investment in new infrastructure and new processes, establishing and creating further business and employment opportunities for the Hunter region.”
Justin Page, Hunter Jobs Alliance coordinator, said:
"Having strong financial incentives to help Hunter's manufacturers to decarbonise is only going to be good news for the region. When the Tomago smelter starts the transition to clean energy, these credits will help to finance new infrastructure and processes, giving new training and employment opportunities to Hunter workers. As the demand for green metals continues to increase, helping our aluminium sector transition to clean energy will allow our industry to remain competitive in global markets, creating greater job security for workers in the Hunter.”
Heidi Lee, CEO, Beyond Zero Emissions:
"The federal government’s announcement of $2 billion in production tax credits is a game-changer for Australia’s aluminium industry. Transitioning to renewable energy is essential for reducing climate pollution, and this initiative can position Australia as a global leader in producing green aluminium.
"Beyond Zero Emissions has long advocated for the transformation of energy-intensive industries like aluminium smelting and critical supply chains. Supporting smelters in Australia to embrace clean energy will secure thousands of jobs in our regions and catalyse new industries in clean technology and advanced manufacturing.
"This is a win for workers, the economy, and the environment. With abundant renewable resources, Australia is uniquely positioned to lead the world in decarbonising heavy industry. This policy accelerates that transition and ensures a brighter future for communities in our industrial regions."
To arrange interviews with these experts, please contact:
Sean Kennedy - 0447 121 378 - [email protected]
ENDS
Contact details:
Sean Kennedy - 0447 121 378 - [email protected]
