In a recent move, Hydro Tasmania launches tender so as to open a call for proposals pertaining to new wind and solar developers as the state looks forward to boosting the renewable generation and making its future energy security robust. The utility is looking to sign a commercial offtake agreement along with one or more projects that are capable of delivering almost 1,500 GWh of electricity per year with operations targeted in the coming five to six years.
The said initiative forms part of the strategy by Tasmania in order to integrate new renewable capacity with its present hydropower assets so as to support forecast growth when it comes to electricity demand from 2030, as mentioned in the Australian Energy Market Operator – AEMO.
Vedran Kovac, Executive General Manager Commercial at Hydro Tasmania, remarked that a fresh investment in solar and wind is going to be essential for the expanding industrial sector of the state. He added that investment within new solar and wind projects is going to help the existing and future energy-intensive industries to grow across Tasmania. The best way so as to meet the future demand is a mix of wind, solar and hydropower.
Kovac also went on to note that the clarity pertaining to the progress of the Marinus Link interconnector has indeed enhanced the confidence amongst the project developers and helped in securing an offtake agreement along with Hydro Tasmania – a creditworthy buyer can very well support the financing for new projects. He further said that it indeed has to be commercial and stack up for Tasmanians; however, working together, one can also bring new energy online for the state.
Notably, in 2024, Hydro Tasmania had agreed to buy electricity from a proposed 288 MW solar farm based in the Northern Midlands, which, once functional, is going to become the fourth-largest generator in the state.
As Hydro Tasmania launches tender, it goes on to support the broader renewable energy agenda of the Tasmanian Government and, at the same time, looks forward to contributing towards meeting the demand locally as well as across the National Electricity Market.