Peter Gutwein,Premier and Minister for Climate Change
Tasmania has a proud history as a quiet leader on climate action, with a strong track record of renewable energy and innovation, helping to reduce our emissions and those of the nation.
We were the first state to achieve zero net emissions, and we have the lowest per capita emissions of all States and Territories. We are also one of the lowest net emitters of carbon dioxide on the planet, but we know there is more that we can, and should do.
Which is why our Government has today announced a review of our target of net zero emissions by 2050.
I have requested that central agencies, DPAC and Treasury, conduct a detailed analysis of the pathway our state would need to take and the challenges and opportunities available in achieving net zero emissions before 2050. The process will be informed by science, economics, and the views of our businesses and community.
The detailed analysis and targeted consultation will occur over the next 6 months and will be used to responsibly and sensibly inform amendments to the Climate Change (State Action) Act and Tasmania’s new Action Plan for 2021 onwards.
The fact is, Tasmania has enormous opportunities in renewable energy, to grow our economy, attract industries and investment, create jobs and also support Australia’s transition to renewable clean and reliable base load energy supply. Importantly, we are already on track to meet our target of being 100% in renewable energy by 2022.
That is why, today we have announced a new renewable energy target of 200 per cent of our current needs by 2040, to double our renewable generation.
This target will be detailed in a new Renewable Energy Action Plan, to be released in April that will set Tasmania on the pathway of becoming the renewable energy powerhouse of Australia.
