New energy generation projects will now be able to be developed by Hydro Tasmania with less restrictions and oversight, the state government has announced.
Energy and Renewables Minister Nick Duigan said the previous “constraining” limit of 40-megawatts that determined if a project was a “major power facility” has officially been lifted to 300-megawatts.
Under the old cap, a 200-megawatt project proposed by Hydro would be classed as a major development and would have required parliamentary approval, a process that could take months or even years.
With the new 300-megawatt limit, Hydro can now move forward with development without the need for approval from parliament.
“The government wants to see Hydro building or partnering to unlock new renewable energy generation in Tasmania,” he said.
“This will play an important part of Tasmania meeting its legislated commitment to its Renewable Energy Target to double renewable generation by 2040.”
The changes will “create jobs” for Tasmanians during construction and ongoing opportunities with industries who come and stay in Tasmania to benefit from renewable energy, Duigan said.
The announcement comes after Labor revealed that Tasmania relied on coal and gas for 32% of its energy last month due to dam levels dropping to record lows.
“We need more wind farms … It is absolutely critical for our economic future that we reduce our reliance on coal and gas, that we create more energy so we can create more jobs,” Opposition leader Dean Winter said.
“More green energy means more green jobs … into this state so that we can continue to be the renewable energy powerhouse of the whole country.”
