The Hodgman Government’s energy policy is clear – we’re putting Tasmanians first. This means secure supply for Tasmania, and the lowest possible electricity prices for Tasmanians.
While we continue to look to develop new generation opportunities, such as building new wind farms at Wild Cattle Hill and Granville Harbour, as well as pumped hydro opportunities, it’s vital that we continue to invest in our existing hydro generation.
Importantly, investing in Hydro Tasmania helps create and support jobs for Tasmanians.
Hydro Tasmania is investing $1 billion over the next ten years to upgrade its facilities. These upgrades will increase generation by 250 GWh, which is enough additional generation to power over 30,000 Tasmanian homes. It will also increase the lifespan of some power stations by an extra 40 years.
Today I visited the Trevallyn Power Station to see firsthand how Hydro Tasmania is investing in energy infrastructure to increase generation capacity, improve efficiency and to ensure our energy supply is secure.
Hydro has already refurbished two turbines at Trevallyn as part of its modernisation program, with the upgrades increasing capacity in the two turbines by nearly 30 per cent.
Hydro is also planning to spend $25 million upgrading the remaining two turbines, so that we can increase output and ensure a secure supply of energy.
These upgrades will help meet the Hodgman Government’s target of making Tasmania completely renewable energy self-reliant by 2022.
We will continue to pursue increases to our energy capacity, including the Battery of the Nation – firstly to ensure a secure, cheap and reliable supply for Tasmania, and secondly to deliver a return on any excess energy. However, the needs of Tasmanians will always come first.
Importantly, I will shortly have more to say on the work underway to further reduce power prices for Tasmanians.