Weld Australia Advocates for Local Production
Weld Australia has identified the domestic manufacturing of wind and transmission towers as a significant opportunity for Australia’s steel and fabrication sectors. This development follows the Federal Government’s latest Capacity Investment Scheme, which surpassed its original target, selecting 19 projects to deliver 7.8GW of generation capacity.
CEO Geoff Crittenden of Weld Australia noted that the current momentum in renewable infrastructure presents a direct opportunity for Australian industry. Projects require capabilities such as fabrication, welding, and skilled workers, which are already strong areas for Australian manufacturing.
“This is not an abstract future opportunity. It is happening now,” Crittenden emphasised. “Every wind farm needs towers. Every transmission project needs steel. These are exactly the capabilities Australian industry already has.”
Policy Framework for Industrial Growth
Weld Australia is advocating for policy settings that would foster long-term industrial capability. The organisation, alongside industry partners, has developed a four-pillar policy framework to enhance competitive local manufacturing. This includes a domestic wind quota, a local content mandate, manufacturing incentives, and capability investment.
The framework suggests a local content mandate of 20% for wind tower sections, supported by a certification scheme. A Manufacturing Production Credit and capital grants are proposed to boost regional manufacturing capabilities.
At Squadron Energy’s Uungula Wind Farm in NSW, the benefits of local manufacturing are already visible. Precision Oxycut, based in Western Sydney, fabricated wind turbine anchor cages using Australian steel, creating six new jobs and re-establishing apprenticeship pathways.
“Uungula shows what is possible when Australian steel, Australian fabrication, and Australian project developers work together,” Crittenden remarked.
Weld Australia urges the Federal Government to act swiftly to seize this opportunity, warning that delays could see work going offshore. The organisation believes that a competitive domestic industry could sustain regional communities and strengthen Australian supply chains.
In late May, the Federal Government announced Tender 7, which exceeded the original 5GW target by more than 50%, delivering 7.8GW of generation capacity. This capacity is enough to power four million households across the National Electricity Market, with associated hybrid projects adding a further 7.9GWh of storage capacity.
Last updated: 29 June 2026, 11:47 am
