The NSW government has announced it is funding $275 million in grants under the net zero manufacturing initiative to secure the state as the place to develop and manufacture clean technology, creating new jobs in the process.
The initiative is set to support workers, small businesses, manufacturers and innovators to take advantage of the energy transformation, with these grants set to ensure NSW manufacturing is part of the change.
The initiative will offer grants in renewable manufacturing, clean technology innovation and low-carbon product manufacturing.
The investments areas are aligned to opportunity areas identified through the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation 2023 study, released by the Office of Chief Scientist and Engineer. The areas include transport, future energy systems and storage, power fuels and biomanufacturing.
The initiative focuses on the manufacturing of market-ready products that can be scaled up and rolled out across NSW, including NSW’s hydrogen hubs.
NSW premier Chris Minns says the initiative offers funding for small and medium businesses wanting to pilot new technology within their premises.
“These grants will bolster local manufacturing in the renewables and clean-technology industries, ultimately delivering more local, secure jobs,” Minns says.
“This is all about supporting and backing NSW businesses, manufacturers and innovators to develop homegrown technology and products right here in the state, and securing the jobs and skills we need for a renewable energy future.”
NSW domestic manufacturing and government procurement minister Courtney Houssos says the grants show the government is committed to rebuilding its domestic manufacturing industry.
“The government can play a key role as a convenor and catalyst for the renewable industry,” Houssos says.
“For every one job in manufacturing, three-and-a-half other jobs are sustained in the supply chain. We want those secure, well-paid manufacturing jobs to be in New South Wales.”