Manufacturing capacity in Australia’s clean energy supply chain is in focus following the Federal Government’s decision to open national consultation on domestic manufacturing of wind and transmission towers, a move welcomed by industry body Weld Australia as a step toward strengthening local manufacturing capability.
The consultation, announced by Minister for Industry and Innovation Senator Tim Ayres and Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen, seeks input from businesses across the clean energy manufacturing sector to inform future policy development and possible support measures.
Weld Australia said the process provides an opportunity to assess how Australian manufacturing can contribute to large-scale renewable energy and transmission infrastructure.
“Wind and transmission tower infrastructure is vital to Australia’s energy transition and future industrial resilience, and we’re encouraged by the Australian Government’s proactive approach to understanding how local manufacturing can contribute,” Weld Australia chief executive Geoff Crittenden said in a statement.
Crittenden noted that meeting Australia’s renewable energy targets would require significant new infrastructure investment.
“According to AEMO, we’ll need to build around 10,000 kilometres of new transmission lines by 2050, and wind towers—which are up to 90 per cent steel by weight—are exactly the kind of heavy, high-value infrastructure Australia is well suited to manufacture locally,” he said.
He said the consultation would allow manufacturers to outline existing capabilities and challenges, while contributing to policy discussions under the Future Made in Australia agenda.
“This consultation process is an important opportunity for Australian manufacturers to shape how policy and support mechanisms can enable competitive, resilient domestic supply chains for clean energy infrastructure,” Crittenden said, encouraging stakeholders to make submissions.
The government has indicated that feedback will help inform advice on manufacturing capacity for wind and transmission towers, including opportunities for steelmakers, fabricators and related industries.
The consultation process closes on 6 March 2026.
