In 2024, more than ever, individuals have better access to employment in the cleantech and sustainability sector, with robust support providing more opportunities for companies to scale up and expand into new markets.
Australia is on the cusp of becoming the Renewable Energy Superpower for the Asia Pacific region – with new technology collaborations, vast critical minerals supply for batteries, and abundant solar and wind electric energy.
Climate Change, with inherent and significant environmental issues, is driving a strong desire from countries, businesses, communities, and individuals to make a positive impact on the world for now and future generations. Through collaborative will, this has activated new attitudes in government policy, regulation, finance and investment, and broader ecosystem support.
In 2022, Australia legislated greenhouse gas emission reduction targets to reach Net-Zero by 2050 – with 2030 as a pivotal year to reach emission levels of 43% below 2005 levels.
“For many years, the cleantech sector in Victoria operated as a fractured group, with companies across different industries often working in isolation,” says Daniel Lansfield, Victorian Cleantech Cluster, Manager. “But, over the past decade, this has changed rapidly with the advent of cleantech industry groups and clean economy development programs”.
With Cleantech being a key feature of many business sectors, it is vital that all industries come together and discuss and share successes and challenges to reach our Net-Zero and emissions targets. Industries such as New Energy Generation, Storage and Infrastructure, Air and Environmental Management, Recycling, waste and resource recovery- the Built Environment and Green Buildings, Water and Wastewater, Transport and Mobility, Advanced Manufacturing and Industrial Processes, Agriculture and Land Management.
Victorian Cleantech Cluster (VCC), was established in Melbourne in 2019, with a vision for Victoria to be the Southern Hemisphere’s capital for clean technology research, development, and commercialisation. VCC is a member-driven organisation that supports companies and founders in the Cleantech sector with access to valuable partnership and collaborative opportunities through VCC-targeted events, business advisory services and support, and connection to leading industry mentors, and advisors through VCC’s strong relationships with stakeholders across industry, research, government, finance, and other supporting sectors.
Victoria has already seen major industries commence the transition with cleantech at the core. The City of Greater Geelong has promoted cleantech development locally for more than ten years. Today it is a hub for world-changing technologies and home to major industry stakeholders like Deakin University, Barwon Water, The Gordon TAFE, and the Geelong Manufacturing Council, all of whom support the next generation of cleantech innovators.
VCC is delighted to be returning to Geelong in August 2024 to host the NEXUS Cleantech Innovation Festival. This event brings together the best local and international talent to share insights and discover the latest trends and emerging solutions. It provides a rare opportunity for people to experience the cleantech revolution in full force, to meet the innovators behind the technology, and to connect with entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and leaders under one roof.
The most significant opportunity for cleantech is no doubt in the state’s clean industry development planning, which will see Victoria’s economy transformed thanks to the widespread deployment of climate solutions and circular practices.
This is why the Victorian Cleantech Cluster (VCC) is developing an industry roadmap to help accelerate the state’s transition to a clean economy. Cleantech provides an unmatched opportunity for industries and sectors to collaborate with a mission of renewing and repairing our environment and building a brighter future for everyone.
VCC’s roadmap makes this possible, with a clear and concise path forward focused on clearing barriers to commercialisation, increasing funding and investment, and promoting the benefits of cleantech solutions to new audiences.
Victoria has positioned itself at the forefront of the cleantech revolution, investing heavily in renewable energy, new electric vehicle infrastructure, alternative fuels for transport, circular economy solutions to reduce waste, and programs to support emissions reduction and carbon sequestration. – along with being a recognised leader in the research and development of new and emerging technologies, products, and services designed to reduce waste, increase energy efficiency, and bolster resilience in the face of environmental disasters supported.
The opportunity for cleantech in Victoria is immense, and the VCC network is growing all the time. We provide specialised insights, advice, and support for industry to connect with government, research, finance, and the wider ecosystem. Our role is critical for ensuring that cleantech remains a priority well into the future and to leave behind a legacy of environmental sustainability for generations to come.
If you are interested in finding out more about cleantech in Victoria, go to www.victoriancleantech.org.au or contact the VCC Manager, Daniel Lancefield at daniel@victoriancleantech.org.au
