Hydro Tasmania is investing $1 billion over the next ten years to upgrade its facilities to secure energy supply and the lowest possible electricity prices for Tasmanias.
The proposed upgrades will increase generation by 250GWh, which is enough additional generation to power over 30,000 Tasmanian homes. It will also increase the lifespan of some power stations by an extra 40 years.
Tasmanian Premier, Will Hodgman, said the Tasmanian Government will continue to develop new generation opportunities such as new wind farms at Wild Cattle Hill and Granvil Harbour.
“It’s vital that we continue to invest in our existing hydro generation,” Mr Hodgman said.
“Hydro [Tasmania] has already refurbished two turbines at Trevallyn as part of its modernisation program, with the upgrades increasing capacity in the two turbines by nearly 30 per cent.
“Hydro [Tasmania] is also planning to spend $25 million upgrading the remaining two turbines, so that we can increase output and ensure a secure supply of energy.”
The upgrades will contribute to the Tasmanian Government’s target of making Tasmania completely renewable energy self-reliant by 2022.
“We will continue to pursue increases to our energy capacity, including the Battery of the Nation – firstly to ensure a secure, cheap and reliable supply for Tasmania, and secondly to deliver a return on any excess energy. However, the needs of Tasmanians will always come first,” Mr Hodgman said.
