As the world shifts to renewable energy for its electricity supply it is important that Tasmania coordinates this development locally to get the best outcomes for Tasmanians. Renewable Energy Zones are being developed in many states throughout Australia as a way to build the least new transmission infrastructure, leverage great outcomes for communities and limit impacts on our natural environment. Tasmania’s renewable powerhouse vision commits to sustainably growing our renewable energy generation to 200% by 2040 and REZ will help us plan this delivery well.
The North West is the first of potentially three regions that could host a Renewable Energy Zone. ReCFIT is working towards a determination of a first north west REZ by the end of 2023 and, if successful, moving into establishment of the REZ throughout 2024. But there is much to be done and defining the geographic boundary of a first REZ is just the start. We are also considering how best community can benefit and what the value proposition is for proponents to locate in a REZ.
In early 2023 RecFIT started consultation by making contact with regional stakeholder organisations such as Councils, community groups, sector representatives and environmental groups to establish relationships and start the flow of information about REZ.
In March 2023, two Stakeholder Reference Groups were established through an expression of interest process. ReCFIT has hosted a number of information drop-in sessions with more planned, plus you can keep up to date by subscribing to the REZ newsletter or following our engagement page which outlines key milestones and upcoming engagement activities. Lastly, we love hearing from you so give us a call on (03) 6165 5109 or email us at rez@recfit.tas.gov.au
The role of the two North West Stakeholder Reference Groups is to provide an ongoing collaboration point to share information, test ideas and seek input from representatives on the REZ establishment process. It is made up of Council’s, Cradle Coast Authority, Northern Tasmania Development Corporation, Regional Development Tasmania, Circular Head Aboriginal Corporation, Advanced West North West and community members. Click here to learn more.
Marinus Link will provide up to 1500MW of interconnection to the mainland. Along with the establishment of new demand for electricity in Tasmania (which may be through new industries like hydrogen production), opening a new path to mainland markets will mean a need for an efficiently planned north west REZ that can support multiple wind farms.
Individual renewable energy project proposals (eg. wind farms) will be developed by renewable energy companies. Government agencies and regulators will be responsible for assessing applications and approving or denying permission. This will be part of the current regulatory system.
Communities and landowners within Renewable Energy Zones will have opportunities to host infrastructure, co-design benefit sharing programs, set community priorities and maximise shared benefits.
To learn more about Marinus link visit their website here.
Currently the north west REZ region has the transmission network capacity to support around 340MW of new wind generation. The North West Transmission Developments, being developed to facilitate Project Marinus , will significantly increase the north west REZ regions hosting capacity. This will allow for more than 1,000MW of new generation to be able to connect from a north west REZ into the broader Tasmanian transmission network.
To learn more about the North West Transmission Development please visit their website here.
Tasmania has a rich heritage in renewable energy and is leading the way within Australia. We are one of only a handful of jurisdictions in the world to reach 100 per cent net renewable generation. But we need additional renewable energy to meet our fast-growing electricity demand, to continue delivering net zero emissions, to attract new green industries, and to contribute to the broader national energy transition and action on climate change.
Renewables, Climate and Future Industries Tasmania (ReCFIT) will lead the process to identify Tasmania’s first Renewable Energy Zone, determining a coordinated process for its establishment including working closely with communities and industry. In addition, ReCFIT will work with TasNetworks as the body responsible for operating, maintaining, and planning the state’s transmission system.
Individual renewable energy project proposals (eg. wind farms) will be developed by renewable energy companies. Government agencies and regulators will be responsible for assessing applications and approving or denying permission. This will be part of the current regulatory system.
Communities and landowners within Renewable Energy Zones will have opportunities to host infrastructure, co-design benefit sharing programs, set community priorities and maximise shared benefits.
