Guy Barnett, Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, Minister for Primary Industries and Water,
Tasmania is now a national powerhouse in renewable energy, green hydrogen and irrigation as the Tasmanian Liberal Government secures the State's future.
The Premier's State of the State address outlined our exciting aspirations and investment in more green hydrogen technology, bioenergy and supporting our booming sustainable agricultural sector with inter-generational irrigation schemes.
Tasmania is indeed the envy of the nation with net zero emissions for six of the past seven years, being powered 100 per cent by renewables and we have legislated to be at 200 per cent renewable by 2040.
Bioenergy is one of the largest sources of renewable energy in the world and the upcoming Tasmanian Budget will see an investment of $10 million over four years to replace our ageing fleet of fossil fuel boilers in schools, hospitals and correctional facilities to improve environmental, social and health outcomes for future generations.
The Tasmanian Government owns 60 fossil fuel boilers across 20 sites around the State, most powered by Liquid Natural Gas, and this $10 million package is expected to support the replacement of 10 to 15 boilers with renewable energy solutions.
The best renewable energy solutions for each boiler will depend on fuel availability, site constraints and heat requirements and options include bioenergy and organic waste boilers or direct electrification taking advantage of Tasmania's 100 per cent renewable energy status.
We are also expecting a decision shortly on our Commonwealth funding application to establish a Green Hydrogen Hub at Bell Bay and the Government is currently negotiating with several proponents as we remain on track to be a global leader in green hydrogen production by 2030,
Bell Bay is perfectly placed to be a nation-leading green hydrogen hub – it has an established advanced manufacturing zone, renewable energy availability, appropriate infrastructure, water availability and deep water port access.
Our plans for Bell Bay, as a green hydrogen hub, is complemented by the proposed Marinus Link interconnector and Hydro Tasmania's Battery of the Nation project.
With growing demand for renewable energy, Tasmania will need more capacity to store and transport energy to accelerate our economic prosperity and Marinus Link is national priority infrastructure with critical seabed surveys currently underway.
It is exciting that our renewable energy generation will put Tasmania at the cutting edge of new technologies to meet our target of net zero emissions by 2030.
We have made up to $12.3 million available for the trial of green hydrogen buses and the investigation of opportunities to use green hydrogen for trucking and marine vessels.
Metro Tasmania has already begun working on the integration of green hydrogen into its fleet, and the development of refuelling infrastructure and hydrogen supply chains.
We will also shortly be releasing our Renewable Energy Coordination Framework to support the strategic growth of renewables in our State through best-practice consultation and engagement.
Tasmania has commissioned more major irrigation schemes in recent years than any other State and we are supporting our farmers to increase the area planted to high-value crops, increase rotations, boost yields, and diversify into new agricultural enterprises like berries and leafy greens.
The proposed South East Irrigation Scheme, estimated at $370 million, will be the biggest irrigation project in Tasmania's history, expected to deliver more than 40,000 megalitres annually, supporting a further $150 million in on-farm investment, with the potential to create more than 2,000 local jobs.
The Tasmanian Government is also working with the Australian Government to progress the development of a business case for an estimated $300 million Southern Midlands Irrigation scheme, which will deliver a similar economic benefit to the heart of Tasmania
It is no surprise that Tasmania is the envy of the nation with one of the strongest economies in the country and an aspirational plan to create thousands of jobs and build stronger communities around renewable energy, bioenergy, green hydrogen and agriculture.
