A recent study by the WWF has found that Australia is lagging behind in the global clean tech race, falling to 26th spot in thethird edition of the Clean Economy, Living Planet study.

 

The study examines and ranks 40 countries based on the sales of clean energy products they manufacture, such as solar panels and wind turbines.

 

Although Australia did improve from being ranked 30th in 2009-10, we are still failing to capitalise on the good innovation innovation conditions.

 

This report should serve as yet another reminder of the huge economic opportunities being created by the clean tech boom,” said WWF National Climate Change Manager, Kellie Caught.


“While Australia’s ranking had improved this year, clearly more needs to be done if we are to keep pace with our trading partners in Asia.” 

 

The report predicts that the global clean tech manufacturing sector is likely to rival that of the oil and gas equipment market by 2015, with the forecasted market size being between €240 and €290 billion.

 

n 2010-11 the top five fastest growing clean energy manufacturing hubs were Taiwan (+36%), China (+29%), India (+19%), South Korea (+19%) and the US (+17%). In terms of clean technology sales weighted to the size of the economy, the report found that Denmark maintained the top spot, followed by China, Germany, Brazil and South Korea. 

 

“Australia now has the policy foundations in place to drive investments in clean tech, including the Renewable Energy Target and the carbon price,” Ms Caught said. 


“The Clean Energy Finance Corporation, which is currently before the Senate, will further strengthen Australia’s policy support for clean energy and help secure our share of the global clean tech boom,” she said. 



“Australia has a proud history in machinery and equipment manufacturing as well as strong supply chains. With the right policies, Australia is perfectly placed to take advantage of the clean tech boom."



The Clean Economy, Living Planet report was prepared by Roland Berger Strategy Consultants and commissioned by WWF, with support from Eneco, and Rabobank and De Lage Landen.

 

The full report can be found here