State Government releases draft renewable energy action plan
More jobs, cheaper electricity and billions of dollars of investment is what Tasmania stands to gain from an ambitious new renewable energy target, says minister Guy Barnett.
The Launceston News
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TASMANIA will be a global leader in renewable energy, becoming 200 per cent self-sufficient by 2040, according to the State Government’s draft Renewables Energy Action Plan released yesterday.
Energy Minister Guy Barnett said the targets and actions laid out would build on the state’s natural competitive advantages, create jobs and contribute billions of dollars to the economy.
“This is a visionary document that says Tasmania has what the rest of Australia and the world wants and needs, and that’s low-cost, reliable, clean energy,” Mr Barnett said.
“Tasmania is in a brilliant position. We are already the renewable energy powerhouse of Australia and we have plans now to be a global leader in renewable energy.”
The document details three priorities: to transform Tasmania into a global renewable energy powerhouse, to make energy work for Tasmanians, and to grow the economy and provide jobs.
Mr Barnett said that with the impending completion of the Cattle Hill and Ganville Harbour wind farms, Tasmania was on track to being 100 per cent renewable self-sufficient by 2022.
The government has set a new Tasmanian Renewable Energy Target (TRET) for the state to double its renewable energy output by 2040, and an interim target to achieve 150 per cent of renewable energy generation by 2030.
It plans to legislate the TRET in 2020 and table it in the second half of 2020.
Mr Barnett said, as a result, households would benefit from downward pressure on electricity prices and energy security.
Between the proposed Project Marinus Bass Strait interconnector cable and Battery of the Nation pumped hydro project, more than 3000 jobs are expected to be created for Tasmanians, with more than $7 billion invested in the state over the next decade.
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Renewable hydrogen production would also be a significant part of the state’s energy mix.
“We have the largest support package for hydrogen development across Australia here in Tasmania — a $50 million package of support,” Mr Barnett said.
Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce CEO Michael Bailey said being world leader in renewable energy would bring manufacturing back to the state.
“For many businesses this will be a market advantage to be able to put that into their marketing,” he said.
“Also, it’s power that can be trusted.
“Hydrogen will emerge across the world as a critical source of energy. We need to be at the cutting edge of this.
“Bell Bay is the right place for it. We’ve got great energy, we’ve got lots of water and a workforce that’s keen to work in that space.”
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