Tasmanian Energy Security Taskforce Report Released

Tasmania - renewable energy

An interim reported released by Tasmania’s Energy Security Taskforce has supported increased uptake of renewable energy among its 32 recommendations.

“Tasmania has a deficit of on-island hydro-electric and wind generation to on-island consumption of some 700 GWh to 1,000 GWh (approximately 7 per cent to 10 per cent) based on long-term average inflows,” states the report (PDF).

“All other things being equal, a more secure setting would be created if this deficit was reduced or eliminated by new entrant renewable energy developments.”

It says new players should not face barriers to entry as a result of Tasmania’s market structure and well-progressed projects should not be delayed as a result of the Taskforce’s work.

The Taskforce also says conditions in the Apple Isle make it ideal for the private sector to partner with local businesses and researchers to trial technologies such as energy storage integration and electric vehicles.

Tasmania Energy Security Taskforce
Image: Tasmanian Government

The report acknowledges embedded storage could provide greater security when combined with time-of-use tariffs, smart meters and other new technologies, and offer consumers increased control and choice over their own energy use

With regard to solar; while stating Tasmania’s resources in this regard are more limited* than mainland Australia, the Taskforce says large-scale solar should not be dismissed. Small-scale solar power systems also get a nod, albeit not much of one; with the report stating it has the potential to make a “small contribution” to reducing Tasmania’s on-island energy deficit.

The Taskforce also encouraged more effort be put towards energy efficiency in residential homes and commercial premises in the state.

Tasmania’s government has already agreed with some of the recommendations, including boosting renewables.

“The Government has proactively engaged with its energy businesses to facilitate offtake arrangement to support further on-island renewable development. Those discussions are progressing well and we anticipate positive outcomes early in the new year,” said Matthew Groom, Tasmanian Minister for Energy.

The Taskforce was originally commissioned in the fallout from a fault in the Basslink interconnector between Tasmania and Victoria in December 2015 that took months to rectify. The incident, combined with low rainfalls, created an energy crisis in the state – one that it would understandably like to avoid happening again in the future.

* Solar can be a very good investment for households in Tasmania. For example, a 5.2kW solar power system installed in Hobart can provide a financial benefit of $1,021 – $1,626 a year; depending on installation and consumption scenario.

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