In a win for the environment and the people of Tasmania, the southern state has confirmed it is now 100 per cent self-sufficient in renewable energy.
The Tasmania Government said they are proud that the state is the first in Australia and one of only a handful of jurisdictions in the world to achieve this target, delivering on a key Government commitment from the 2018 election.
The State Government said that it reached 100 per cent renewable energy thanks to its commitment to realising Tasmania’s renewable energy potential through nation-leading energy policies and making Tasmania attractive for industry investment.
This landmark achievement was realised as the 29th of 31 wind turbines at Granville Harbour officially came online.
When the final two turbines are commissioned at Granville Harbour, Tasmania will have access to 10,741GWh of renewable generating capacity – well above the state’s average annual electricity demand of 10,500GWhrs.
However, the Tasmanian Government said there is more to do. It has now set a target to double its renewable generation to a global-leading target of 200 per cent of its current needs by 2040 – which it recently passed into law following the passing of legislation through both Houses of Parliament.
It is also continuing to progress the Marinus Link and Battery of the Nation projects that represent an intergenerational opportunity to make Tasmania a global leader and the renewable energy powerhouse of Australia.
It is also continuing to develop a renewable hydrogen industry in Tasmania, with the feasibility of key projects being progressed under the Federal Government’s $50 million Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Industry Development Funding Program, which forms the backbone of the Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Action Plan.
These ambitious projects will play a key role as the state rebuilds from COVID-19 by creating billions in economic growth, significant opportunities across the supply chain and jobs – particularly in regional areas.
