Tassie’s power push gets jolt

TASMANIA’S Battery of the Nation proposal and increased interconnection will be part of a priority review under the National Energy Guarantee process.

Energy Minister Guy Barnett said it was a positive step that the COAG Energy council had agreed to progress a priority review by the Energy Security Board.

His statement comes after states and territories agreed to take the NEG to the next stage.

“This is an extremely pleasing and positive step forward for Tasmania and the nation.

“This important step continues to build the case for increased interconnection and Tasmania’s position as the Battery of the Nation delivering clean, reliable and affordable electricity to Tasmanians and the nation,” he said.

Under Battery of the Nation, Hydro Tasmania would develop pumped hydro in the state to double Tasmania’s generating capacity to 5000MW and export power via enhanced interconnection to interstate markets.

The Battery of the Nation Review is expected to be completed by December.

Mr Barnett said Tasmanian Labor’s failure to support the National Energy Guarantee was a slap in the face to all Tasmanians who stood to benefit from the nation-leading reform.

Liberal Senator Eric Abetz, who has had reservations about the NEG and has supported the development of new coal-fired power, said he looked forward to being briefed in the Coalition party room on the proposal.

“I note that the NEG is progressing to the next stage but also note that states have not yet signed off on the scheme,” he said.

“It is vital that the Government delivers lower power prices for all Australians and I am hopeful we can achieve that.”

Labor Energy spokesman David O’Byrne urged Tasmanian federal and state Liberals to find common ground over the NEG.

“Energy Minister Guy Barnett must pressure his former Senate colleague Eric Abetz to soften his hardline stance against renewable energy,” Mr O’Byrne said.