Yesterday Premier Peter Gutwein sensationally admitted he is actively intervening in Hydro Tasmania's dealings with Andrew Forrest's Fortescue Future Industries' (FFI) request for 250 megawatts of power at Bell Bay.
CEO of Hydro Tasmania, Evangelista Albertini, has now resigned, only one year into his appointment.
Shadow Minister for Energy Dean Winter said in June this year, FFI signed an Option Agreement with TasPorts to exclusively negotiate all land and operating access requirements for its proposed 250 megawatt (MW) green hydrogen plant in Bell Bay. However, Mr Forrest was then advised Hydro Tasmania does not have 250 megawatts of power to provide.
Premier Gutwein told Estimates yesterday he believes Hydro Tasmania does have the available power available, putting him at odds with Hydro Tasmania.
"The Premier's intervention in Hydro Tasmania's dealings with FFI is highly inappropriate," Mr Winter said.
"Discussions regarding price and availability of power have always been undertaken without intervention by Shareholder Ministers, yet the Premier has reached into Tasmania's most important business.
"Hydro Tasmania says there is no power available at any price, yet Peter Gutwein has told Estimates he thinks there is, marking an intervention in the matter that will damage investor confidence and the project.
"The last time Peter Gutwein got involved in energy policy he nearly blacked out the State with his disastrous mismanagement of the Tamar Valley Power Station which precipitated the 2016 Tasmanian energy crisis."
Dean Winter MP
Shadow Minister for Energy
