Squadron Energy providing new careers for coal workers

Renewable energy will be a major source of employment as Australia transitions away from coal.

Squadron Energy is already providing fossil fuel workers with new roles in wind, solar and firming assets.

In the Illawarra, the Port Kembla Energy Terminal is not only accelerating Squadron’s decarbonisation efforts, but it is providing new careers for people such as fourth-generation coal worker Tony Cartwright.

Mr Cartwright, the Health and Safety Superintendent at Port Kembla Energy Terminal said his career transition was a bit of an unknown opportunity for him.

“I didn’t fully understand the scale and scope of the project and how it is going to be a part of our state and our nation’s transition to renewable energy,” he said.

“The whole industry will be constructed and then operated so in there lies the opportunity for people to work and develop their careers.

“Being part of the climate solution is a really positive thing for me and keeps me engaged in this work. Its effects will live well beyond me and have a positive impact on future generations.”

During construction, the Port Kembla Energy Terminal has created more than 200 jobs and injected $27.1 million into the local economy.

To date, Squadron Energy has created 1,900 direct jobs. Many of these in remote and regional locations across Australia’s eastern seaboard, while injecting more than $200 million into these regional communities.