Guy Barnett,Minister for Resources
The Tasmanian Government's nation-leading policy – the Tasmanian Renewable Energy Action Plan, is the blueprint by which we will leverage our renewable energy resources and transform the state into a renewable energy powerhouse.
The development of a Renewable Energy Coordination Framework (Framework) is a key action of that Plan.
It sets the goals and actions to ensure that new large-scale renewable energy development (and investment) happens in the right place, at the right time, and for the benefit of all Tasmanians.
We have consulted with a wide range of stakeholders, representative organisations and sought input from a number of government agencies, and we now welcome broader industry and community feedback.
The Framework is key to ensuring a strategic and coordinated approach to unlocking new generation capacity and transmission in energy-rich locations.
Our intention is to release the draft Framework to determine whether the actions identified are appropriate and comprehensive, and then based on feedback, implement those recommendations into the final Framework. The Government puts communities at the centre of the transition to renewable energy. There are considerable opportunities for communities, particularly in regional areas, to benefit from Tasmania's renewable energy industry growth. It is important that what matters most to Tasmanians is understood and considered.
The Australian Energy Market Operator has identified three potential Renewable Energy Zones in Tasmania. Under the Framework, establishing those zones will be done in consultation with communities.
The Framework underpins the Government's intention to ensure sustainable renewable energy growth delivers positive economic and social outcomes while maximising regional and community benefits.
Tasmania, as the nation's renewable energy powerhouse and the first jurisdiction to reach zero-net emissions now four years in a row, we are well positioned to drive the country's transition to emission free renewable energy. This includes our competitive advantage of firm dispatchable hydroelectric generation, which supports the efficient production of hydrogen.
We have already made significant progress in driving our renewable energy future. Tasmania is now 100 per cent self-sufficient in renewable energy, and we have legislated our world leading target to double our renewable generation to 200 per cent of our current needs by 2040.
This means that we have achieved 100 per cent self-sufficiency in renewable electricity, some two years ahead of schedule – and confirmed our status as a world leader in renewable energy generation.
The need for sustainable growth has never been clearer, with Australia's energy market undergoing a significant transformation from dependence on fossil fuels to renewable energy resources.
Our Government's vision is to continue to sustainably grow our renewable energy sector over the next 20 years.
At the heart of this Framework is communities and fostering partnerships to develop and deliver our plan for growth as we commence on our path towards achieving our renewables Tasmania vision. This is why we need your feedback!
To obtain a copy of the Draft Renewable Energy Coordination Framework, visit https://renewablestasmania.tas.gov.au/consultation
The consultation period closes on Wednesday, 3 March 2021.
