Two major renewable energy projects expected to deliver up to 541MW of clean energy and power around 160,000 Tasmanian homes have secured federal backing worth up to $1.5 billion.
The Cellars Hill Wind Farm and Weasel Solar Farm were among 19 projects announced as successful bidders under the federal government’s Capacity Investment Scheme on Saturday.
The projects, located near Bothwell, are expected to create around 500 jobs during construction and 22 ongoing roles in the Central Highlands.
Energy and Renewables Minister Nick Duigan said the announcement confirmed Tasmania’s leadership in the national clean energy transition.
“This is an exciting time for Tasmania and we congratulate the proponents for Cellars Hill and Weasel Plains on their successful bids,” Duigan said.
“This outcome confirms the strength of our renewable energy pipeline and Tasmania’s vital role in powering Australia’s energy future.”
Cellars Hill has been contracted to provide 341MW of wind generation while Weasel will add 200MW of solar.
Both projects are being developed by Malaysian infrastructure group Gamuda in partnership with Melbourne-based Alternate Path and local landowners the Downie and Bowden families.
Federal Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the scheme will deliver “more cheap, clean energy, more jobs and more investment in our regions”.
“These projects will help keep the lights on, put downward pressure on power prices and cut emissions with the cheapest form of new energy, backed by storage,” he said.
Duigan said the projects sat in strong areas of the network with no need for significant new transmission.
The Cellars Hill proposal has drawn some local objections through the Tasmanian Planning Commission process, with the No Turbine Action Group raising concerns about noise, visual impact and cumulative effects from nearby wind farms.
The announcement builds on the Bell Bay Wind Farm near George Town, which became Tasmania’s first CIS-backed project last year.
Duigan said federal backing would give industry the confidence to invest and help drive down energy prices over time.
“Securing further CIS support demonstrates Tasmania’s clean energy potential is being recognised at a national level,” he said.
“[It] gives industry the confidence to invest, helps drive down energy prices over time and strengthens Tasmania’s contribution to national energy security via Marinus Link.”
