The government of Tasmania in Australia has unveiled a 200% renewable energy generation target for 2040, which will see the island state double clean power production.
State premier Peter Gutwein announced the goal in his State of State Address, which said a renewable energy action plan for Tasmania will be released in April.
A key part of the plan will be hydrogen production for domestic use by 2022-2024 and for export by 2025-2027, Gutwein said.
“Tasmania’s low cost and reliable renewable energy means that Tasmania is 10-15% more competitive than our mainland counterparts when it comes to attracting investment in green hydrogen,” he said.
Tasmania’s government is providing A$50m (€30m) in support measures over 10 years to bolster and fast track renewable hydrogen industry development, Gutwein added.
He said the state is also committed to reducing mainland Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions by exporting more renewable electricity.
“We are currently progressing the Marinus link, which is set to underpin 1400 new jobs in Tasmania, with up to 2350 jobs also being created from further renewable energy investment and our nation-leading Battery of the Nation proposal,” the premier said.
“The combined investment has the potential to inject A$7.1bn into the Tasmanian economy over the coming years – leaving no one in any doubt that Tasmania is in fact the battery of the nation,” he added.
Goldwind Australia welcomed Tasmania’s 200% clean power goal.
Goldwind Australia managing director John Titchen said: “The Tasmanian Government’s announcement of a 2040 renewables generation target of 200% represents impressive leadership.
“This target plays to Tasmania’s strengths with excellent hydro and wind resources.
“The announcement of a $50m package to fast track renewable hydrogen industry development will position Tasmania very well in this emerging industry.
“This initiative sits consistently alongside the Battery of the Nation and Marinus Link projects.
“The combination of initiatives should position Tasmania well to grow renewable energy supply and contribute reliable power into the national electricity market. This is needed to successfully transition the Australian electricity sector.”
Goldwind added that all the turbines have been installed at the 144MW Cattle Hill wind farm in the Central Highlands of Tasmania.
Commissioning is currently ongoing on the IdentiFlight system, which is being installed to mitigate impacts on Tasmanian Wedge-tailed Eagles, the company said.