Australia is being proposed as a solution to Europe’s energy woes with the energy minister pushing for closer ties.
Delivering a speech in Brussels, Energy Minister Chris Bowen said Australia will be a renewables superpower and could step in to plug energy gaps.
“Europe has huge energy demands to drive its world class manufacturing. Australia can and will be a renewable energy powerhouse,” Mr Bowen said.
“Australia is and will remain an energy exporter. Increasingly, that energy will be renewable.
“And we would like Europe to be a key recipient.”
Mr Bowen said the two also need to take consistent approaches in regulation and standards for green hydrogen and other renewable energies.
The energy minister said a trade agreement will also be a key moment in progressing the relationship.
“Australia is renewable energy rich but we require significant investment to develop our green energy endowments,” he said.
“European investment in Australian renewables is very welcome.”
Dominic Giannini
(Australian Associated Press)
