Manufacturer calls for help for renewable energy sector

Conergy is concerned at fellow solar manufacturing firm BP Solar's decision to close its Sydney factory and shed 200 jobs.

Conergy's managing director, Rodger Meads, said the government should take action to boost renewables.

He said his firm was committed to staying in Australia.

"This long-term commitment does however need the long-term commitment of the Australian government to grow our industry, just as they are assisting the coal and other critical industries such as the car industry," Meads said.

He said the government should get moving on laws to enshrine its promise to have 20 per cent of energy from renewable sources by 2020.

There was no sign of these laws, Meads said.

He also called for a national, premium tariff for renewable energy that would pay people top dollar to generate clean energy.

The suggestion "has not even made it to the discussion table", Meads said.

And the industry was still waiting on the release of the final plan for emissions trading, due to start in 2010.

BP Solar did not blame the government for its factory closure, saying it could make its solar panels more cheaply overseas.