RET review threatens 130 Aussie jobs at Keppel - report

Aug 29, 2014 - The head of Australian company Keppel Prince Engineering warns that as many as 130 jobs in Portland, Victoria state, are at risk of disappearing if the government accepts the Renewable Energy Target (RET) review recommendations.

Companies will not build any new wind farms if the proposed changes to the green programme are made, Keppel managing director Steve Garner told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). “It really does spell the end of the renewable energy business for us,” he was quoted as saying.

Australia aims to source 20% of its total power from renewables by 2020 under the RET, so the programme offers support to projects such as solar and wind farms. However, several months ago the government picked global warming skeptic Dick Warburton to review the RET. The review panel’s report, published yesterday, calls for the close of the RET scheme to new entrants with large-scale projects or adjustments to the set renewable energy share goals.

ABC cited Garner as saying that Keppel Prince is to wrap up its final project later in 2014 so as many as 130 employees are under threat. The company specialises in the construction, fabrication and maintenance of industrial structures and equipment. It focuses on sustainable technologies and says it is Australia’s leading wind farm provider since 2001.

Choose your newsletter by Renewables Now. Join for free!