Sourcing half of our electricity from renewables would create more than 28,000 new Australian jobs, half of which would be in solar: new research concludes.

The Renewable Energy: Future Jobs and Growth report, by Ernst and Young and the Climate Council, finds that building 50% renewables by 2030 will boost employment by almost 50% more than if we stick to the current trajectory.

The report reveals that if Australia aims for at least 50% renewable electricity by 2030:

• More than 11,000 additional jobs will be created in NSW, more than 6000 in QLD, around 4000 in Victoria, more than 3600 in South Australia, almost 2000 in WA and more than 500 in Tasmania.
• Most states will see around half of all jobs in 2030 from rooftop solar PV. In Tasmania and NSW rooftop solar PV jobs would comprise around 25%.
• Of electricity sector construction jobs in 2030, 70% will be created in rooftop solar and 9% in large-scale solar
• Of ongoing operations jobs, 11% will be in rooftop solar and 4% in large-scale solar

Australian Solar Council CEO John Grimes said every voter in Australia should ask their local candidates where they or their party stands on renewable energy.

“Two of the biggest issues in this election campaign so far are jobs, and climate change. This report demonstrates exactly how renewable energy is the solution to both fixing climate change and revitalising our economy with new jobs.

“Many of the jobs created through rooftop solar are local, so by voting for candidates who are pro-solar this election you are also voting for candidates who are pro-jobs in your electorate.”

He said any politician who was anti-solar would be found out.

“Australians are looking for leaders who support small business and ordinary people who stand to save every day with solar. The renewables industry is the biggest business opportunity the world has ever seen, and anyone who doesn’t get that shouldn’t be in charge of our country’s future.”

As the peak body for the solar industry, the Solar Council is running a federal election campaign on behalf of its members calling for every political party to commit to at least 50% renewables by 2030.

It is holding the second of two Vote Solar forums in Queensland tonight in the electorate of Forde. Details here.