Project Marinus have commenced landowner and community engagement from Palmerston (near Cressy) to Sheffield, and from Sheffield to Heybridge (near Burnie). As part of their North West Transmission Developments, new infrastructure is needed to increase network capacity and ensure the power system can accommodate future renewable energy and storage developments proposed for the region. The existing transmission infrastructure in these sections was built in 1957. Community drop in-sessions are [...]

This week, the Tasmanian Government announced the applications for three feasibility studies investigating large-scale renewable hydrogen projects have been successful in obtaining funding under the first round of the Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Development Funding Program. These are: (1) Grange Resources - to explore the potential to use hydrogen to replace natural gas for industrial heating within their pelletising facility located at Port Latta. Grange Resources estimates that it will [...]

Tasmania's world leading 200% renewable energy target has today passed both Houses of Parliament. This sets the course for massive opportunities in Tasmania's renewable energy sector. Under the legislation, by December 2030, 15,750 GWh of electricity generated in a calendar year by NEM connected equipment is to be generated by utilising renewable energy sources or by converting renewable energy sources into electricity. By 2040, 21,000 GWh a year is [...]

Under the Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Action Plan, the Tasmania Government has committed a $50 million package of renewable hydrogen support measures over 10 years through a competitive Expression of Interest (EOI) process, including a $20 million Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Fund, $20 million in concessional loans and $10 million worth of support services including competitive electricity supply arrangements and payroll tax relief. $16 million has been allocated in this year's [...]

Yesterday's Tasmanian State budget included more support for Tasmania's renewable energy sector, including $3.8 million over four years to support the delivery of Project Marinus, Battery of the Nation, Renewable Hydrogen, the Tasmanian Renewable Energy Action Plan and a Renewable Energy Coordination Framework. This announcement backs the recent federal budget announcement of a $250 million package to accelerate nationally critical major transmission projects, including Marinus Link. $16 million of [...]

Legislation to support Tasmania's world leading 200% Renewable Energy Target is currently before parliament. This will legislate that 15,750 GWh/ year of electricity is generated by renewable sources by 2030, and 21,000 GWh/ year by 2040. Tasmania currently generates close to 10,500 GWh/ year of renewable energy. 10,500GWh of energy is the equivalent of 1.6 million tonnes of black coal. As more coal and gas fired power stations retire [...]

Growing Tasmania's renewable energy sector will require both traditional and modern skills. While Tasmania's Renewable Energy Workforce Development Plan is still under development, national studies like the Climate Council's "Renewable Energy Jobs in Australia" report earlier this year have shown that a range of skills will be required - from admin staff and drivers to tradies and electrical engineers. The renewable energy sector will also be home to some [...]

The Future Energy Hub and Cradle Coast Authority made a submission earlier this year in response to Tasmania's draft Renewable Energy Action Plan. Some main points from the submission included: - Engaging with our Member Councils in a timely manner, to ensure they are well placed to derive maximum financial and other benefits from renewable energy proponents, on behalf of their communities. - Developing a strategic approach to prioritise unlocking [...]

The National Electricity Market (NEM) is changing from "peak" and "off-peak" periods being determined by electricity demand, to when electricity is generated. As more massive coal fired power station are retired in the coming years, a system that was developed with base loads (mostly coal) and peak loads (mostly gas) responding to network demand, will become dominated by use-it-or-lose-it variable renewable energy (solar and wind) and storage (pumped hydro and [...]

Granville Harbour Wind Farm reached a massive milestone this week, installing the last of their 31 turbines. Further testing and commissioning work will be undertaken in preparation for the wind farm reaching full generation capacity, as the site is demobilised and rehabilitated back to its original condition as a pristine beef cattle farm. The 112 MW wind farm is expected to reach completion by the end of the year, generating [...]