The global pandemic provided many of us with the chance to pause and reassess traditional ways of doing things. As we emerge from the crisis, it’s time for energy users large and small to firmly commit to the benefits clean and alternative forms of energy can provide.
Although greenhouse gas emissions improved in 2020 due to travel bans and economic slowdowns resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the United Nations highlights that climate change continues to affect every country on every continent.
The UN Secretary-General has proposed a raft of climate-positive actions for governments to take in the process of rebuilding their economies and societies in the years ahead, aimed at triggering long-term systemic shifts to change the trajectory of CO2 levels in the atmosphere.
While the UN’s goal remains to reduce global emissions by 50 per cent by 2030, the Australian Government has committed to a net zero goal “as soon as possible”, and preferably by 2050. The transition will require bold, forward-thinking policies at both a state and federal level, backed by targeted government spending.
Henry Anning, Chief Executive Officer of ResourceCo Energy Systems, said the recent announcement of funding support for recycling and clean energy manufacturing projects under the Modern Manufacturing Initiative (MMI) is encouraging.
Acknowledging the pace of change required in the energy sector in Australia, Mr Anning said the release of a defined roadmap for the advancement of the industry is a significant step forward.
“It really marks the beginning of a collaborative, long-term clean energy strategy framework, bringing industry experts across the sector together to drive a positive transition. “Assisting Australian manufacturers be more competitive, resilient and build scale in the global market will be critical to achieving sustainable outcomes.”
The Federal Government’s Recycling and Clean Energy National Manufacturing Priority roadmap, released in April 2021, highlights that investor and market appetite for clean energy in Australia and around the world is undeniable, but Australia is yet to convert this into large-scale manufacturing opportunities.
The domestic supply chain for clean energy components remains underdeveloped and adoption of clean energy for industrial manufacturing is still in its early stage as a proposition, especially in heavy manufacturing processes.
Mr Anning agrees demand for alternative energy solutions is a common barrier, however, he believes the industry is at the cusp of making real progress – a position supported by the announcement of the closure of the Yallourn Power Station four years earlier than planned.
“As more of our very old, expensive and polluting coal-fired power stations begin to close, the demand for cleaner, greener solutions will very quickly ramp up. “It is encouraging that governments and industry are working together to intensify efforts to position Australia as a global hub for renewable energy.
“We need continued collaboration between governments, investors, manufacturers and their customers to enable, shape and create markets for renewable energy – green products.”
As a company, ResourceCo is a leader in the development of waste-from-energy plants, which deliver strong environmental and economic outcomes by repurposing materials otherwise destined for landfill, to generate clean energy.
ResourceCo Energy manufactures processed engineered fuel primarily from waste timber materials, but also previously non- recyclable plastics, cardboard, paper and textiles.
“It’s time for large-scale business to see alternative energy as a viable alternative to expensive, emissions generating fossil fuels,” said Mr Anning.
“We’re continuing to progress some interesting and ambitious new projects across our national footprint, which bares testament to the evolving opportunity.”
That optimism is matched by an expansive capital investment program – the biggest in the history of the company – with new plants planned for Sydney, Perth, Brisbane and the Pilbara this year.
“We’re solidifying our commitment to make progress for real change and to play our part in progressing Australia’s transition to a circular economy.”
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