The Australian Government has opened a consultation to gather feedback on domestic manufacturing opportunities for wind and transmission infrastructure, as it examines how to build a competitive, viable and resilient manufacturing sector for wind and transmission towers in Australia.
In a statement, the government said the consultation aims to better understand the manufacturing opportunities, barriers and long-term outlook for wind turbine towers and transmission towers, with submissions open until 6 March.
The process builds on engagement undertaken in 2024 and 2025 and is intended to inform future policy settings for renewable energy infrastructure manufacturing.
According to the government, Australia has an opportunity to strengthen domestic manufacturing capability as demand for renewable energy infrastructure increases.
The consultation is designed to provide a detailed picture of current and potential manufacturing capacity across the wind and transmission supply chain, including steel production, metal fabrication and related activities.
The government said feedback will be used to assess market conditions, the role of policy in supporting long-term investment, and options to strengthen local supply chains.
It is also seeking views on how Australian manufacturers engage with opportunities and risks associated with foreign investment in domestic manufacturing.
The consultation is structured around four themes: the future of wind and transmission manufacturing in Australia; the capability and participation of Australian businesses in renewable energy infrastructure manufacturing; building economic resilience; and the role of government.
Insights gathered through these themes are expected to contribute to policies supporting domestic clean energy manufacturing under the Future Made in Australia agenda.
In outlining the purpose of the consultation, the government said submissions will help it gain a clearer understanding of Australia’s existing manufacturing capability and capacity for wind and transmission towers, and identify areas where local manufacturers could expand their role in domestic production.
It also aims to explore pathways to grow local jobs, strengthen supply chains and enhance energy security.
The government said it is seeking feedback from businesses of all sizes across the supply chain and has encouraged participants to provide supporting evidence, research and case studies where available.
Submissions may include commercial-in-confidence material, which can be identified as such by contributors.
Guidance materials for the consultation have been published to assist stakeholders in preparing submissions.
Responses can be uploaded through the government’s consultation hub, with the process closing on 6 March.
