Tasmania Announces State’s 1st Renewable Energy Zone

• Tasmania has planned to host its 1st REZ in the North West region for 1 GW potential generation capacity 
• It is high in solar and wind energy resources and is likely to be followed by 2 more REZs 
• The government sees it as helping the state invest in the cheapest forms of electricity generation to fulfill its energy needs 

The Australian state of Tasmania has announced its 1st renewable energy zone (REZ) in the North West region and has invited stakeholder consultation on the same. The high potential to generate green energy from wind and solar farms, among other factors, helped the government set sight on the location. 

According to the government assessment, the potential generation capacity for the proposed North West REZ is 1 GW, while the potential generation capacity by developable area is 9.53 GW. Located within 4 municipal areas of Waratah-Wynyard, Burnie, Central Coast and Kentish, Tasmania's maiden REZ is targeted to cover 114,244 hectares. 

The proposed North West REZ is 1st of the 3 planned REZs with the remaining planned in North East and Central Tasmania. These 3 regions have the largest amount of proposed renewable energy generation capacity, including 4.8 GW of proposed new generation development with some 1.9 GW expected to become operational before 2040. 

Tasmania's Minister for Energy and Renewables, Nick Duigan, said the REZs are being planned under the state's Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future to ensure its growing energy needs are fulfilled. 

According to an Australian Electricity Market Operator (AEMO) forecast, Tasmania will see a 48% increase in energy demand by 2033. Currently, it sources electricity from 30 hydropower stations and 4 wind farms. It sees the benefit of adding wind and solar farms which are the cheapest form of electricity generation.  

"Renewable Energy Zones will coordinate and foster renewable generation development in the most suitable areas of Tasmania and minimise supporting transmission infrastructure," explained Duigan. "They can also attract industrial energy users to our state, creating more jobs for Tasmanians."   

Launched on May 20, 2024, the consultation for the North West REZ will remain open for submissions till July 1, 2024. Details of the REZ and the consultation process are available on a dedicated website.  

Back in August 2022, Tasmania identified around 25,000 GWh of potential renewable energy facilities under a registration of interest (ROI) launched, aiming to start operations by 2030. The government said it will use the responses received to plan and implement its 1st REZ (see Tasmanian Renewables ROI Receives Massive Interest).