The Tasmanian Government has begun the next step in constructing the Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) in North-West Tasmania with the engagement process to identify a first zone.
According to the State Government, creating a REZ is all about economies of scale – using current energy resources and established grid infrastructure nearby to unleash new energy at a cheaper cost, while also considering environmental, heritage, heritage, and other essential aspects.
Minister for Energy and Renewables Guy Barnett stated that a series of community and stakeholder engagement activities would be held around the region to explain what REZ are, and why they are needed, and to solicit input into the REZ planning process.
“Exploring local perspectives and expectations will ensure that the planning, design and implementation are shared with local communities,” Minister Barnett said.
Minister Barnett added that the Renewables, Climate, and Future Industries Tasmania unveiled an interactive participation site, allowing the community to actively engage and remain informed about chances to participate in this process.
“Most importantly in the short term, Expressions of Interest are currently being called for community members to participate in stakeholder reference groups which will help shape and guide the REZ establishment process,” Minister Barnett said.
According to the Minister, the State Government will release the final Guidelines for Community Engagement, Benefit Sharing, and Local Procurement in the following weeks, including those engagement principles to guide the discussions.
“Doubling the amount of renewable energy produced in Tasmania will help develop new and existing industrial load in the State, put downward pressure on prices, provide an economic stimulus through construction and operation to local communities and help the National Electricity Market transition away from fossil fuels,” Minister Barnett stated.
The State Government added that the recent announcement on Project Marinus’ finance, financing, and ownership was crucial in picking the first REZ region. The Government said the arrangement reduces Tasmanian consumers’ shared network expenses for the North-West Transmission Development while also providing an additional 1200MW of generation hosting capacity that a REZ can use.
A first REZ in the North-West would offer new power in time for the commissioning of the first Marinus cable and the generation required to build an export-scale hydrogen sector and other future businesses around the turn of the decade.
ReCFIT also plans to hold regular industry forums throughout the year to allow industry participation in the REZ formation process. The first targeted consultation is scheduled for mid-2023.
