Tasmania's Renewable Revolution: How Tasmania Became a Leader in Green Energy
Tasmania, an island state south of mainland Australia, has emerged as a global leader in clean energy production and energy innovation. In 2020, Tasmania achieved a significant milestone by generating 100% of its electricity from renewable sources. The state's success is driven by a combination of its unique geography, robust hydropower infrastructure, and abundant wind resources. With a history of pioneering hydropower dating back to the early 20th century and a strategic vision for the future, Tasmania's renewable energy journey offers valuable insights into how a region can transform its energy landscape and contribute to global climate goals.
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Hydropower & Windpower
Tasmania's unique geography makes it abundant in renewable energy resources. This has been pivotal in its energy strategy, leveraging natural resources to produce clean energy efficiently.
Tasmania's commitment to renewables goes back a century. Launceston, one of its major cities, was among the first in Australia to embrace hydropower, laying the foundation for the state's ongoing journey. Hydroelectricity has traditionally been the backbone of Tasmania's power generation, contributing roughly 90% in 2018-2019. The extensive network of hydroelectric facilities across the state has provided a stable and sustainable energy supply for decades.
Wind farms also make a substantial impact in Tasmania, with the capacity to further increase their energy contribution. The strong winds sweeping across Tasmania, known as the "Roaring Forties," have made it a prime location for wind energy projects. These winds can reach speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour (~37 mph). Situated around 42 degrees south latitude, Tasmania benefits from these strong and consistent winds, ideal for wind farms.
Projects like the Woolnorth Wind Farm, a complex comprising the Bluff Point and Studland Bay wind farms, harness these powerful winds, significantly contributing to the state's energy mix. This integration of wind energy not only diversifies Tasmania's renewable portfolio but also enhances its energy security and sustainability.
While hydropower remains dominant, wind power and other renewables, such as solar and biomass, are playing increasingly important roles in Tasmania's energy mix. These supporting players are crucial for ensuring a balanced and resilient energy system that can adapt to future demands and challenges. Expanding wind farms and growing interest in solar and biomass energy contribute significantly to this diversified energy portfolio.
2020 Milestone: Tasmania Achieved 100% Renewable Energy
In 2020, Tasmania reached a remarkable milestone by generating 100% of its electricity from renewable sources, achieving this goal two years ahead of schedule. Tasmania's journey to this achievement offers a compelling example of how a region can transform its energy landscape and emerge as a leader in clean energy innovation. The state's renewable energy goal was officially met in late November 2020 when the 29th of 31 wind turbines at Granville Harbour on the island's west coast went online. This addition boosted Tasmania's renewable generating capacity to 10,741 GWh, surpassing its average annual electricity demand of 10,500 GWh.
Future Investments: Marinus Link & Renewable Energy Zones (REZ)
The Marinus Link, a proposed undersea cable connecting Tasmania to mainland Australia, will facilitate the export of surplus renewable energy, contributing to national decarbonization efforts. Additionally, to meet growing energy demands and support the electrification of transport and industry, Tasmania is establishing Renewable Energy Zones (REZ). These zones will coordinate new wind, solar, transmission, and battery storage projects in areas rich in renewable resources while protecting environmental, cultural, and social values. Together, these projects are central to Tasmania’s strategy to become a renewable energy powerhouse.
Future Ambitions
While Tasmania has achieved energy independence, their demand is projected to grow. Factors like population increase, electrification of industries and transportation, and attracting new industries all necessitate additional renewable energy sources.
Tasmania's renewable energy ambitions extend far beyond maintaining its 100% renewable energy status. Tasmania aims to double its renewable energy generation to 200% of its current needs by 2040 (The Tasmanian Renewable Energy Target (TRET), 2020), positioning itself as a major exporter of clean energy to mainland Australia and beyond. By expanding their renewable energy capacity, Tasmania aims to Become the "Battery of the Nation": Export surplus clean energy to mainland Australia, contributing to the national decarbonization efforts.
This shift from self-sufficiency to export readiness represents a significant economic and environmental opportunity for the state. By exporting surplus energy to mainland Australia, Tasmania helps reduce overall emissions and supports the transition to renewable energy across the National Electricity Market (NEM).
Tasmania's green energy journey, from pioneering hydropower to achieving 100% renewable energy and setting even more ambitious goals, is an inspiration. It demonstrates the immense potential of renewable energy and offers a roadmap for other regions to follow. As we move towards a sustainable future, Tasmania's story serves as a powerful reminder that while a clean energy future is ambitious, it's achievable.
Timeline: Tasmania Transition to Renewable Energy
Early 20th Century: The Beginning
1910s: Construction of the first hydroelectric power plant at the Duck Reach Power Station near Launceston. It began operations in 1916, making Launceston one of the first cities in Australia powered by hydroelectricity.
1920s - 1950s: Expansion of Hydropower
1920s: Expansion of hydroelectric projects with the establishment of the Hydro-Electric Commission in 1914, leading to the development of several more hydro schemes.
1950s: The construction of major hydroelectric power stations, including the Tarraleah and Tungatinah power stations.
1960s - 1980s: Hydropower Boom
1960s: Significant hydropower expansion, including the Mersey-Forth and Gordon River schemes.
1980s: Completion of the Gordon Dam, which remains one of the largest and most iconic hydroelectric power stations in Tasmania.
1990s: Diversification and Environmental Awareness
1990s: Increased environmental awareness led to more stringent regulations and a focus on sustainable practices. The Hydro-Electric Commission was restructured into Hydro Tasmania, focusing on sustainable energy production.
2000s: Introduction of Wind Power
2002: Commissioning of the Woolnorth Wind Farm in northwest Tasmania, marking the beginning of large-scale wind energy production.
2010s: Accelerating Renewable Integration
2012: Launch of the Musselroe Wind Farm, significantly boosting wind energy capacity.
2015: Tasmania's energy strategy set a target to achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2022.
2020: Achieving 100% Renewable Energy
2020: Tasmania achieves 100% renewable energy generation, predominantly through hydropower and supplemented by wind power.
2020s: Continuing Progress and Ambitious Goals
2021: Announcement of the Battery of the Nation initiative, aiming to expand hydroelectric capacity and enhance energy storage capabilities.
2023: Tasmanian Government sets an ambitious target to reach 200% renewable energy by 2040, aiming to export surplus energy to mainland Australia.
Future Prospects
2040 Goal: Achieving the 200% renewable energy target, positioning Tasmania as a leading exporter of clean energy.
Reference Links
- Tasmania surges to 100% renewable energy (2020). Premier of Tasmania.
- Tasmania is now powered entirely by renewable energy (2020). World Economic Forum.
- Energy in Tasmania Report 2018/19 (2020). Tasmanian Economic Regulator.
- Energy in Tasmania Report 2022/23 (2024). Tasmanian Economic Regulator.
- Tasmania's Climate Change Action Plan 2023-25 (2023). ReCFIT.
- Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) Policy & Legislation (2024). Renewable Energy Zones Tasmania.
- More renewable energy for Victoria and Tasmania (2024). DCCEEW.
