Until recently energy efficiency and renewable energies were not an issue for commodity-rich Australia. This has changed and rising prices and the consequences of climate warming that can be felt in many quarters have led to a rethink. More and more states and cities are now turning to renewable energies instead of unilaterally promoting coal power, as was previously the case.
Focus on energy efficiency
The “2000 Watt Society” is an energy policy model developed at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. According to this vision, the energy needs of each earth inhabitant should correspond to an average of 2000 watts. The “2000 Watt Events” have confirmed how large the potential is for energy efficiency in Australia, for example in the area of building technology. The corresponding know-how is however not sufficiently available on the ground, which has enabled some Swiss players to already succeed in establishing themselves in this area.
The manner in which Switzerland has implemented the 2000 Watt Concept is attracting interest in Australia. Swiss know-how for passive houses in particular is making an impression. The competition is not sleeping, though. The EU and various Member States are very well-represented in the environmental and energy sector in Australia. Several EU Member States are using their European reputation on the “Cleantech” front to present their own capabilities with targeted activities. In a country with a growing population currently at 24 million, a high per capita income and high energy prices for buildings, which are in many cases outdated and inefficient, the potential order volume in the building sector is enormous. Wealthy Australians particularly love European products and are at the forefront when it comes to moves such as installing solar panels. “Until now Australians have focused more on the production of renewable energy than the efficiency of the building fabric. This is precisely why there is an opportunity to position yourself in a field which is not yet fully occupied”, says Mascia Buzzolini, Head of S-GE Trade Point in Sydney.
Opportunity for Swiss SMEs
The local government of Canberra is currently extending its pioneering role in the Cleantech sector. Hence, on October 22, 2016 the “Renewables Innovation Hub” was opened, which is intended to improve links between existing Cleantech stakeholders and attract new players from all over the world. “In light of this, it would be ideal from Switzerland’s point of view if a pilot project with Swiss involvement could be implemented in Canberra. Such a pilot would increase the achieved visibility gains from the 2000 Watt Event and could also open doors for Swiss entrepreneurs and researchers who would like to build up a presence in Australia”, said Buzzolini.
The Swiss embassy in Canberra and the Swiss experts involved in events are currently looking into how such a project can be brought to fruition. The Federal Office of Energy, the local government of Canberra and the Australian National University are also on board.
S-GE Trade Point Sydney helps Swiss SMEs to gain a foothold in the Australian market
With the S–GE Trade Point Australia in the General Consulate in Sydney and a science representative at the embassy in Canberra, Switzerland can offer economic and scientific support for making inroads into the Australian market.
