The Tasmanian Government welcomes the announcement of a proposed offshore wind energy zone for the Bass Strait region off Northern Tasmania by Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen.
Tasmania is already a world leader at generating 100 per cent of our electricity needs from renewables and we have legislated to be 200 per cent by 2040.
Bass Strait has been named as one of the top options for offshore wind energy generation in the country by the national Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre, with consistently higher and stronger winds than other locations in the country.
Nexsphere’s planned Bass Offshore Wind Energy project for North-East Tasmania would generate up to 1000 megawatts – enough energy to power 325,000 homes with clean and affordable energy.
The project involves 35 to 70 turbines to be located 30 kilometres offshore to minimise visual impact and support Australia’s transition to a zero emissions economy.
The development of Tasmania’s offshore wind energy potential complements Marinus Link, Battery of the Nation and our plans to supply renewable energy for a green hydrogen industry to be based out of the Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone.
Renewable energy is the cheapest form of electricity in the National Energy Market and in the future as more renewables are built both in Tasmania and the mainland, our connection to the national market via Basslink and Marinus Link will ensure access to the lowest cost sources of energy and keep downward pressure on power prices for Tasmanians.
As part of the Tasmanian Renewable Energy Action Plan we have identified the development of Tasmania’s ocean, tidal, and offshore energy resources as a key growth opportunity that can generate significant economic returns for our State and bring more jobs and investment to regional communities.
The Commonwealth Government will announce further details around their public consultation process for the proposed Bass Strait offshore wind energy zone in Tasmania.