Our Vision for the Future of Energy In Tasmania

Energy – and particularly carbon free energy – will be one of the most sought-after commodities of the Future Economy.

Tasmania has a significant natural advantage in energy because of our high rainfall and a consistent wind resource.[1]

We have a competitive advantage because we have already established substantial hydro and wind generating assets as well as considerable expertise in these technologies.

And with the national shift towards low and zero emission energy generation, Tasmania now has a real environmental advantage in the National Energy Market by virtue of our ability to produce significant amounts of electricity which is carbon free.[2]

The Liberal vision for energy in Tasmania’s Future Economy is for us to seize this opportunity by expanding upon our existing renewable energy assets, and realising our full potential as a genuine net exporter of carbon free energy.

To achieve this, a majority Liberal Government will actively support and encourage Hydro Tasmania’s expansion of renewable energy generating assets, such as the Musselroe windfarm.

We will also support private sector investment in wind development as well as other emerging renewable technologies that leverage off our natural assets such as wave and tidal energy, bio-energy, and bio-fuels.

We’ll stand up for Tasmania’s right to be a major player in the National Energy Market, including making our case for a nationally funded Bass Link II which will secure our rightful place at the forefront of renewable development opportunities in Australia.

We’ll proactively seek out opportunities to firmly establish Tasmania as a national leader in renewable energy based research and education.

And we absolutely guarantee we won’t sell the Hydro. The Hydro is one of our greatest assets. It’s a big part of our heritage and under a Liberal Government it will continue to play a central role in maximising our prosperity in the Future Economy.

By passing on our carbon free energy advantage to small business and households, we will assist in making Tasmania the most competitive place in Australia to do business.

In addition, we remain committed to introducing full retail competition to our electricity market, to provide choice to consumers and to put downward pressure on prices.