The Tasmanian Government has welcomed the announcement of Nexsphere’s proposed offshore wind energy zone for the Bass Strait region off Northern Tasmania.
Nexsphere’s planned Bass Offshore Wind Energy project for North-East Tasmania would generate up to 1000MW – enough energy to power 325,000 homes with clean and affordable energy.
The project involves installing 35 to 70 wind turbines, which would be located 30km offshore to minimise visual impact and support Australia’s transition to a zero emissions economy.
Tasmanian Minister for Energy and Renewables, Guy Barnett, said the project would complement the state’s other renewable energy initiatives.
“The development of Tasmania’s offshore wind energy potential complements Marinus Link, Battery of the Nation and our plans to supply renewable energy for a green hydrogen industry to be based out of the Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone,” Mr Barnett said.
“Renewable energy is the cheapest form of electricity in the National Energy Market and in the future as more renewables are built both in Tasmania and the mainland, our connection to the national market via Basslink and Marinus Link will ensure access to the lowest cost sources of energy and keep downward pressure on power prices for Tasmanians.
“As part of the Tasmanian Renewable Energy Action Plan we have identified the development of Tasmania’s ocean, tidal, and offshore energy resources as a key growth opportunity that can generate significant economic returns for our State and bring more jobs and investment to regional communities.”
Tasmania already generates 100 per cent of its electricity needs from renewables and has legislated for this to be increased to 200 per cent by 2040.
The Federal Government will announce further details around their public consultation process for the proposed Bass Strait offshore wind energy zone in Tasmania.
