The expansion of wind and transmission tower production represents a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity for Australian manufacturing, according to Weld Australia, which says the renewable energy build-out could support jobs, regional industry growth and stronger domestic supply chains if backed by supportive policy settings.
Weld Australia has pointed to recent Capacity Investment Scheme results as evidence of growing demand, with 19 projects selected in late May exceeding the original 5GW target by more than 50%.
The projects are expected to deliver 7.8GW of generation capacity—enough to power around four million homes—alongside 7.9GWh of storage.
Chief executive Geoff Crittenden said the pipeline is already translating into real manufacturing demand. “This is not an abstract future opportunity. It is happening now,” he said. “Every wind farm needs towers. Every transmission project needs steel.”
The organisation said Australia faces a choice between importing fabricated components or rebuilding domestic capability through the energy transition. “We can import the majority of the fabricated steel components needed, or we can use this pipeline of work to rebuild manufacturing capability, create skilled jobs and support regional communities,” Crittenden said.
Weld Australia highlighted early local supply chain examples, including Squadron Energy’s Uungula Wind Farm in New South Wales, where Western Sydney-based Precision Oxycut fabricated steel plates for 69 turbine anchor cages using Australian steel supplied by BlueScope.
Weld Australia is also leading an industry group involving companies such as Goldwind Australia, Tilt Renewables, Acciona, Nordex and Vestas, developing a policy framework to support local manufacturing.
Crittenden said the framework focuses on stable project demand, local content requirements, investment incentives and capital support for regional manufacturing facilities. He said it is being considered through government processes and has received support from Industry and Innovation Minister Tim Ayres.
Modelling for a regional NSW facility suggests potential for hundreds of jobs and up to $2.7 billion in economic activity between 2027 and 2040.
“With the right settings, Australia can manufacture wind and transmission towers competitively,” Crittenden said. “If we delay, the opportunity will be lost offshore.”
