Australian states allocate $242 million to low‑carbon manufacturing and solar‑battery recycling

The New South Wales government announced an additional AUD 225 million to support low‑carbon manufacturing projects across the state. Funding will target commercial‑ready initiatives such as wind‑tower components, solar panels, batteries, transmission cables and low‑carbon building materials. The program aims to create around 1,000 skilled jobs, bolster regional economies and help NSW meet its 70 % emissions‑reduction target by 2035 and net‑zero goal for 2050. Minister Penny Sharpe said the investment will “power the next wave of industry and opportunity” and requires matched private‑sector funding.

Western Australia committed AUD 17.8 million to develop a domestic solar‑module and battery‑recycling industry. AUD 13 million will fund the establishment of collection and processing pathways for end‑of‑life solar panels, while AUD 3 million will support local governments in collecting embedded batteries. The initiative is designed to reduce landfill waste, recover valuable materials such as silver, create jobs and retain more value from clean‑energy infrastructure within the state. Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn and Energy Minister Amber‑Jade Sanderson emphasized the need for a circular‑economy approach as Australia’s solar fleet ages.