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Earthworker Energy Manufacturing Cooperative
Earthworker Energy Manufacturing Cooperative

The Gippsland-based Earthworker Energy Manufacturing Cooperative is Australia’s first community-owned clean-energy manufacturer, turning out unique solar hot water tanks from its factory at Morwell.

The Gippsland-based Earthworker Energy Manufacturing Cooperative is Australia’s first community-owned clean-energy manufacturer, turning out unique solar hot water tanks from its factory at Morwell.

The factory began by employing five people, and is a member of the Earthworker Cooperative, whose mission is to establish, across Australia, a network of worker-owned cooperatives committed to sustainable enterprises.

Secretary Dan Musil says by making solar-powered hot water and other components in the Latrobe Valley, the cooperative is responding to declining manufacturing, unemployment, rising household power bills and climate change.

“We’re a people-powered project and part of a movement to create more democratic and sustainable livelihoods and economies.

“We’re working to empower communities to look after each other and the planet – to work our way out of the climate crisis,” Mr Musil said.

“By supporting Victorian companies and manufacturing you’re helping to create new jobs in the growing new-energy sector.”

“People should look closely at what they’re buying, and realise the best value comes from a long-term local investment, not just today’s cheap price.”

Mr Musil said many solar hot water systems were fully-imported and didn’t deliver the quality or follow-up support of locally-made systems.

“With a 15-year warranty and priced competitively against many that are imported and of lesser-quality, our stainless-steel solar tanks are here for the long haul, and you’re investing in Victoria’s future.”

Earthworker Energy’s ‘Made in Morwell’ solar hot water tanks are available as part of a high-performing heat pump or evacuated tube solar hot water systems. All are eligible for the Solar Homes rebate program.

You can find out more at www.earthworkerenergy.coop External Link

Reviewed 04 April 2022

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