REZ legislation to be released within our first 100 days

Supporting new renewable energy generation projects is a critical element in delivering the energy Tasmania wants and needs to grow.

Renewable Energy Zones are areas with strong renewable resources like wind and solar energy.

They also have limited overlap with existing land uses, important flora and fauna, and cultural and aboriginal heritage.

Minister for Energy and Renewables, Nick Duigan, said the draft Renewable Energy Zones legislation will ensure another pathway for critical transmission infrastructure to be built, to connect new renewable projects and job-creating industries.

“Importantly it will provide a Tasmanian-specific framework for cost-sharing for infrastructure, rather than the model under the National Electricity Rules, ensuring Tasmanians and Tasmanian proponents are better off,” Minister Duigan said.

“The REZ framework will also enable local communities to directly share in the benefits of these developments.

“We understand the need to consult the community on the REZ legislation, which is why we will be releasing a draft after consultation ends in July.

“This will allow communities to have their say before legislation is introduced to Parliament.

Legislation to support the REZ is part of our first 100 Day commitments under our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future.

Separately to the drafting of the REZ framework in legislation, the community consultation process is underway on the Northwest REZ and is planned to be completed by the end of June.

“An important part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future is delivering new renewable energy generation to create jobs and ensure that Tasmanians continue to have the lowest power prices in the nation,” Minister Duigan said.