Sustainable and Renewable Energy Industry
Sustainable energy is frequently referred to by other names, such as renewable energy or alternative energy. It is important to understand the differences between these terms, though it should be noted the definitions themselves are often open to interpretation.
- Alternative energy is essentially an umbrella term that refers to any source of usable energy intended to supplement or replace fuel sources without the undesired consequences of the replaced fuels1.
- Renewable energy refers to energy generated from natural resources—such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides and geothermal heat—which are renewable (i.e. naturally replenished)2.
- Sustainable energy is the provision of energy such that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Sustainable energy sources are most often regarded as including all renewable sources, such as those mentioned above plus biofuels. It usually also includes technologies that improve energy efficiency3.
With this in mind, it’s an exciting time for the sustainable energy industry in Queensland. In addition to the Federal Government’s introduction of a Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS), the Queensland Government has announced innovative climate change initiatives through ClimateSmart 2050. The raft of Government policy and legislation has led to extensive State and Federal incentives for the uptake of energy efficiency technologies. These incentives are expected to have a significant impact on both business and consumer demand in Queensland, which in turn fuels the need for a skilled workforce of the appropriate size and capability to cater for this demand.
The emergence of this “green collar economy” will generate many jobs in the sustainable energy sector and this will extend beyond traditional trade skills. A whole new suite of employment opportunities will open up. Energy Skills Queensland, through its Sustainable Energy Skills Formation Strategy (SFS) project and impending Clean Energy Skills Strategy & Workforce Plan project, is ideally positioned to provide advice to Queenslanders on these opportunities. For more information, contact Rohan Anderson.