The Rockliff Liberal Government welcomes today’s announcement that the Federal Government is taking positive action to support bringing more renewable energy projects online.
The expansion of the Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) will assist proponents of clean energy projects in Tasmania to reach their goals.
Minister for Energy and Renewables, Nick Duigan, said today’s announcement was a strong recognition of the challenges of the national energy transition.
“Minister Bowen has made clear today that all of Australia needs to do more to ensure we have the energy supply we need for our future,” Minister Duigan said.
“Tasmania is the nation’s leader in renewable energy, and our Government recognises the economic development and job creation that the sector holds.
“As our State grows, our energy demand is also growing, and we will need more energy to continue to meet Tasmania’s needs.
“Tasmania currently generates around 17 per cent of its total energy needs from wind, and we expect that wind energy will play an even bigger role going forward.”
The Federal Government has also flagged much-needed improvements to the federal environmental process.
“Our Government understands that getting projects approved and through Federal environmental laws, enforced through bilateral agreements has been challenging and we welcome the news that the Federal Government will take on more of the heavy lifting.
“Under our Renewable Energy Coordination Framework, we have been looking at market mechanisms to support renewables development in the State as well as the potential to improve approvals processes.
“I have worked closely with Minister Bowen over the past few months, having met on several occasions and discussed the need for the Federal Government to do more to support new generation projects.
“We support the positive signals from the Federal Government today, and our Government will fight for Tasmania’s fair share of the CIS.”
Minister Duigan said that the Rockliff Liberal Government’s energy policy will always focus on growing renewable energy supply to ensure we have the power we need to continue to build the economy and create jobs while at the same time ensuring power bills are kept as low as possible.
“We welcome this announcement by the Federal Government and will continue to work with Minister Bowen and his team to ensure Tasmania continues to lead the nation in renewable energy production.
“We have a plan, and we are getting on with it. A plan that grows supply, creates jobs and continues to ensure that Tasmanians pay the lowest for power in the nation.”
