An ambitious plan from the Tasmanian Climate Action Council would see the Apple Isle become a net exporter of renewable energy to the mainland by 2020.
The blueprint calls for Tasmania to become Australia’s renewable energy powerhouse, generating 100 percent of its annual stationary electricity needs from renewable sources by 2020 under a Low Carbon Economic Strategy, with the surplus exported via Basslink.
The plan also recommends the implementation of improved feed in tariffs arrangements for small and medium-scale renewable energy generators such as homes and businesses with installed rooftop solar energy systems.
More money will go into promoting tidal, geothermal and wind power, along with developing a smart grid power network for the state.
Tasmania has previously identified that climate change will have widespread negative effects on people living in the state and has legislated to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 60 per cent by 2050 compared to 1990 levels.
The blueprint states: “By positioning itself as a low carbon, forward looking, renewable electricity producer, Tasmania will help grow its industry sectors, including agriculture and tourism.”
To assist with the Council’s vision, sweeping energy efficiency measures will impact on everything from housing to transport, including the phasing out of all electric hot water systems and requirements that all new commercial buildings meet strict five-star water and power and waste standards.
By 2050, the blueprint states, Tasmania’s transport system will be largely decarbonised through the use of public transport, alternative energy vehicles and removing the need to travel by using advanced technology such as the National Broadband Network.
The plan employs Tassie’s farmers in the fight against climate change by further research into developing energy-efficient farming technologies to reduce and sequester carbon emissions through farming practices.
The Tasmanian Climate Action Council was established in 2008 to provide high level advice to the Tasmanian Government on emerging climate change issues and propose best practice solutions to the challenges of climate change.
A Blueprint For Action can be downloaded here (PDF)
