NSW pays to patch polluters
New South Wales has announced a $750 million scheme to help clean up big emitters.
New South Wales Energy Minister Matt Kean has visited Australia's 15th largest corporate emitter - BlueScope in Port Kembla - to unveil the scheme.
“Almost 30 per cent of our state's carbon emissions are created by our top 55 industrial facilities, which are critical contributors to the NSW economy,” Mr Kean said.
The state has a plan to hit net-zero emissions by 2050.
The net-zero industry and innovation program focuses on three different fronts - high-emitting technologies, new low-carbon industry foundations and clean technology innovation.
The scheme will offer heavy industry $380 million to retool with low-emission alternatives. There is also $175 million to establish low-carbon industries such as green hydrogen production.
The scheme includes another $195 million for research into creating a decarbonisation innovation hub, develop low emissions standards and sustainable finance services.
“Supporting their move to cleaner equipment, technology and processes will significantly reduce emissions, while helping to protect jobs and maintain a resilient economy,” Mr Kean said.
“This program will build on that to help create the jobs of the future and drive a clean industrial revolution.”
The NSW Climate Change Fund will provide the bulk of the funding, with some support from a bilateral agreement with the federal government.