Funding secured for major Tasmanian energy project

The Tasmanian Government welcomes the announcement that Cellars Hill Wind Farm and Weasel Plains Solar Farm have been successful through the Australian Government’s Capacity Investment Scheme.

These projects will ensure Tasmania continues to deliver strong growth in renewable energy development.

Minister for Energy and Renewables, Nick Duigan, said the announcement confirms Tasmania’s leadership in the national clean energy transition building on the success of CIS support for Bell Bay Wind farm announced last year.

“This is an exciting time for Tasmania, and we congratulate the proponents for Cellars Hill and Weasel Plains on their successful bids,” Minister Duigan said.

“This outcome confirms the strength of our renewable energy pipeline and Tasmania’s vital role in powering Australia’s energy future.

“These two projects, with a combined value of up to $1.5 billion, have the capacity to generate up to 500 megawatts of clean, reliable energy, enough to power approximately 160,000 homes.

“The projects are expected to create around 500 jobs during construction and 22 ongoing roles and deliver long-term benefits for regional communities.

“We will continue to work closely with the Commonwealth, and proponents through our Renewable Energy Approvals Pathway initiative, to secure more CIS-backed projects that support jobs, investment and deliver our long-term renewable energy ambitions.”

The projects are co-located in strong areas of the network in Central Tasmania with no requirement for significant new transmission.

“Securing further CIS support demonstrates Tasmania’s clean energy potential is being recognised at a national level and gives industry the confidence to invest, helps drive down energy prices over time, and strengthens Tasmania’s contribution to national energy security via Marinus Link,” Minister Duigan said.

This announcement follows a series of major milestones for Tasmania’s renewable energy future, including the Final Investment Decision for Project Marinus, which will unlock new generation and enable greater energy trading with the mainland.