Tasmania is now 100 per cent self-sufficient in renewable energy, confirming the state’s status as a world leader in renewable energy generation.

Tasmania has become the first state in Australia and one of only a handful of jurisdictions in the world to achieve a 100 per cent renewable energy target.

Minister for Energy, Guy Barnett, said  the target has been reached thanks to a commitment to realising Tasmania’s renewable energy potential, “through our nation-leading energy policies and making Tasmania attractive for industry investment, which in turn is creating jobs across the State, particularly in our regions”.

This landmark achievement was realised as the 29th of 31 wind turbines at Granville Harbour officially came online. When the final two turbines are commissioned at Granville Harbour, Tasmania will have access to 10,741-gigawatt hours (GWh) of renewable generating capacity – well above its average annual electricity demand of 10,500 GWhrs.

Minister Guy said Tasmania has what the nation wants and needs in affordable, reliable and clean renewable energy, and the news confirms that the Government is seizing the state’s immense renewable energy potential to help grow its economy and create jobs.

“But there is more to do, which is why we have set a target to double our renewable generation to a global-leading target of 200 per cent of our current needs by 2040 – which we recently passed into law following the passing of legislation through both Houses of Parliament,” he said.

“We are also continuing to progress the Marinus Link and Battery of the Nation projects that represent an intergenerational opportunity to make Tasmania a global leader and the renewable energy powerhouse of Australia.”

“And, we are continuing to develop a renewable hydrogen industry in Tasmania with the feasibility of key projects being progressed under the Government’s $50 million Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Industry Development Funding Program, which forms the backbone of our Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Action Plan,” the Minister said.

“These ambitious projects will play a key role as we rebuild from COVID-19 by creating billions in economic growth, significant opportunities across the supply chain and jobs – particularly in regional areas.”