Renewable energy projects 'slow-walked' in face of Dutton's nuclear promise, union says
There's concern in the renewable energy sector that the Coalition's nuclear policy could send investors overseas, and some fear decisions are already starting to be delayed until after federal election.
Electrical Trades Union national secretary Michael Wright says he's seeing evidence that investors are holding off on finalising renewable energy projects until after the federal election because of uncertainty caused by the Coalition’s nuclear policy.
With tightening polls showing Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has a chance to beat Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the next election, there has been increased chatter among developers and institutional investors about what the Coalition’s plan would mean for investments in wind farms, solar projects and batteries. But some think it has already impacted investment decisions.
In an interview with Capital Brief, Wright said there are indications that investments are being “put on ice” and “slow-walked” until after the next election, due by 17 May.
“The feel is that if industry can push investment decisions beyond the next election, they are pushing those decisions beyond the next election,” Wright said.
