Tasmanian Renewables ROI Receives Massive Interest

• Tasmania has identified around 25,000 GWh of potential renewable energy facilities under a ROI launched earlier this year
• These projects are currently seeking approval and aim to start commercial operations by 2030
• Responses received will enable the state government to plan, prepare and implement its 1^st REZ in 2022

To its registration of interest (ROI) round launched in June 2022 for renewable energy, Australia's Tasmania says it has identified a large number of potential renewable energy generation projects with around 25,000 GWh of potential facilities currently seeking approval and aiming to start operation by 2030.

Information from the ROI will be used to inform the build out and implement the state's 1^st Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) in 2022 and support the matching of new generation and load growth.

The ROI was launched under Tasmania's Renewable Energy Coordination Framework for new renewable energy and energy intensive load projects including offshore facilities of 10 MW or greater. Existing and new industries/businesses who require electrical loads of 1 MW or above were also encouraged to register their interest to join the electricity network.

Responses to the ROI will enable the state government to plan and prepare for new opportunities such as green hydrogen and green manufacturing. It will also be able to identify a pipeline of renewable energy generation across the state to help fuel this new investment.

Tasmania's Minister for Energy and Renewables, Guy Barnett said this would be more than enough new generation to support achievement of the Tasmanain Renewable Energy Target. The state aims to reach 150% renewable electricity generation by 2030 and 200% by 2040.

"Through the development of more renewable energy, we will deliver jobs for future generations of Tasmanians, and ensure the cheapest form of electricity, renewable energy, supports growing investment and new industries here on island, while helping the nation tackle climate change," added Barnett.

Tasmania's fellow states like Queensland and New South Wales (NSW) are seeing significant traction for their REZ plans as well. Queensland attracted 60 GW of renewable energy capacity for its 3 REZs in December 2020 (see Queensland Gets EOI For 60 GW Renewable Energy).

NSW is also attracting investors from all over the globe for its 5 REZs. In June 2022, it opened up registrations for last of the 5 zones (see Registration of Interest For Illawarra REZ).