The anticipation of the Clean Energy Future legislation (Carbon Tax to most of us), which comes into effect on the 1st July later this year, has led to a burgeoning information technology (IT) sub-sector – in cleantech and ‘green’ technology. Significant government funding will be spent on encouraging clean energy sources and their implementation, requiring a broad range of new green job skills, amongst them technological skills.
There are now numerous start-up businesses in the ‘green’ sector attempting to gain a foothold in this emerging market. These smaller companies offer employees the chance to gain experience across a broad range of areas and the potential upsides can be very tempting – with share option potential and the chance to work with a company set to become a genuine market leader. (Gordon Group Technology currently has a role for a Senior Software Developer in just such a company http://www.gordongroup.com.au/jobs/)
It’s not just start-ups looking to take advantage of the anticipated ‘green’ boom. The uncertainty, both political and economic, of last year meant that established companies holding off on technological development and R & D projects are now back in the game. Now that the Clean Energy Future package is underway, many of those projects have been given the green light. Renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind and tidal will be the major winners. The governments Clean Energy Finance Corporation will make $13 Billion available for investment in these projects – with technology a critical aspect.
Energy efficiency experts will find themselves in demand delivering specific advice to small and medium businesses supported by $40 million in grants for Energy Efficiency Information. Of course, this means demand for software and other tools, as information will need to be collected, measured, tracked and stored. In addition, $1.2 billion from the Clean Technology Program will help directly improve energy efficiency and R&D of low pollution technologies.
It’s the perfect storm – a growing ‘green’ sector, backed by millions of dollars of government support, coupled with exciting new technological developments. If you have experience in either sector then 2012 is your year!
