Transgrid welcomes passage of Net Zero Economy Authority Bill

Transgrid CEO Brett Redman said: “Over the next decade, Transgrid is investing $16.5 billion in a 2,500km energy superhighway of transmission lines and infrastructure to connect large-scale renewable generation to the grid and accelerate the Commonwealth Government’s clean energy vision.

“We are getting on with the job of delivering this nation-critical infrastructure including the EnergyConnect, HumeLink and VNI West projects, providing a major boost to regional communities and workers with jobs, skills development, education and training, and support for local businesses.

“Transgrid needs hundreds of highly-skilled workers and technical expertise to build and operate the future grid and deliver access to cheaper and cleaner renewable energy to millions of households and businesses.

“For example, over the next five years, we expect to increase our substation technician workforce by 40%, which provides immense opportunities particularly for regional workers.

“Transgrid is committed to retraining and equipping local workers to be a part of Australia’s renewable energy transition.”

EnergyConnect is currently delivering Australia’s first training initiative to grow the country’s own transmission line construction workforce.

Under our existing Legacy 100 program, local workers are being trained to become riggers and doggers, boosting jobs and skills in regional NSW, and creating the future workforce in transmission line construction as the clean energy transition accelerates. 

Transgrid is also supporting local jobs by investing in education and training through partnerships with regional universities and Regional Development Australia to help create new jobs, develop skills, and attract new workers.

“The rapid growth of the energy transmission sector is driving demand for highly-skilled workers and technical expertise, particularly in regional locations where there are plenty of workers readily available with highly-transferrable skills,” Mr Redman said.

“The Net Zero Economy Authority will offer opportunities for Transgrid to bring on a new workforce that has energy experience and wants to continue to be a part of Australia’s energy future.

“Transgrid shares the Commonwealth Government’s vision to ensure the workers and communities who have powered Australia for generations can seize the opportunities of the country's net zero transformation.”

To find out more about Transgrid’s critical role in enabling the clean energy transition, visit: https://www.transgrid.com.au/about-us/network/network-planning/system-security-roadmap

Transgrid media contact:

Mark Nolan 0429 047 136