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Department of Premier and Cabinet

Advancing our renewable energy capability

This priority area aims to advance our renewable energy capability by supporting national energy security solutions in the transition to a low carbon generation network and continuing to work with Tasmanian Government agencies, local government and business to improve energy efficiency.

Action

Description

Responsibility

Commentary

Status
(in progress, nearing completion, complete or ongoing)

2.1

Promote Tasmanian and National emissions reduction and energy security by continuing to invest in hydro-electricity assets, considering the findings of relevant studies to further Tasmania’s renewable electricity generation, progressing opportunities for further renewable energy development, and advocating for Tasmania to play a significant role in national energy security

State Growth

In December 2020, the Tasmanian Government released the Tasmanian Renewable Energy Action Plan 2020.

The Plan is a key element of the Government’s policy to further expand renewable energy and aims to double Tasmania’s renewable energy generation, with a target of 200 per cent of our current needs by 2040.

In November 2020, the Government announced that Tasmania is now 100 per cent self-sufficient in renewable electricity generation. This is ahead of the target date scheduled for 2022.

In December 2020, the Tasmanian and Australian Governments signed an Energy and Emissions Reduction Agreement that committed the governments to work closely to deliver the Marinus Link and Battery of the Nation projects.

Ongoing

2.2

Provide resources and guidance materials to support businesses and households to access the Tasmanian Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme or other finance options

DPAC (TCCO)

The $40 million Tasmanian Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme (TEELS) closed in April 2019.

TCCO provides information on the practical actions households and businesses can take to improve energy efficiency.

Complete

2.3

Work with businesses to maximise energy efficiency and identify energy savings projects eligible for application to the Tasmanian Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme or other finance options

DPAC (TCCO)

The Power$mart Businesses program offered funding to eligible Tasmanian businesses for energy efficiency audits, and provided an audit report detailing practical information about ways to improve energy efficiency. Improved energy efficiency can help lower power bills, protect against future energy price rises, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Power$mart Businesses has delivered 28 energy efficiency audits.

Complete

2.4

Determine the suitability of Environmental Upgrade Agreements and other financing options to support energy upgrades in Tasmania’s non-residential building stock

DPAC (TCCO)

An Environmental Upgrade Agreements (EUAs) feasibility study has been completed. EUAs are financial arrangements that provide low-cost long-term loans to building owners to improve energy efficiency.

The Final Report indicated that EUAs do not currently present a viable option for Tasmania. This conclusion was informed by the views of local stakeholders, the level of success of similar schemes in place in other Australian jurisdictions, and the number of upgrade projects that would be required for a Tasmanian EUA scheme to be economically viable.

Complete

2.5

Work with local government and service providers to support the delivery of energy efficient street lighting and smart controls projects

DPAC (TCCO)

The Tasmanian Government participated in a workshop with local government and TasNetworks to discuss the barriers to the rollout of high efficiency street lighting technologies and smart control systems.

Work continues to provide efficient and cost effective solutions to increase the numbers of high efficiency street lights.

Ongoing

2.6

Support Tasmanian Government agencies to monitor and report energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions

DPAC (TCCO)

Implementation of a whole-of-government energy use and emissions monitoring and reporting software platform is complete.

Relevant agency staff have been trained to use the software and TCCO provides ongoing support to agencies to maintain and update energy accounts data and information.

Ongoing

2.7

Improve the energy efficiency of Tasmanian Government owned and leased buildings through energy audits, cost-effective capital upgrades and a behaviour change program

DPAC (TCCO)

Energy audits have been conducted at agency sites including:

  • the New Town and Mt Pleasant laboratories for DPIPWE;
  • the Tasmania Fire Service head office for DPFEM;
  • Huonville and Cygnet Community Health Centres; Millbrook Rise Rehabilitation Centre; Tolosa Street Adult Mental Health Service Centre; and the Tasmanian Ambulance Centre for DoH; and
  • New Town, Ogilvie and Deloraine High Schools; Mountain Heights School in Queenstown; and Don College in Devonport for DoE.

Complete

Next: 3 Reducing our transport emissions