Tasmania’s renewable energy, brand
With new industries targeting the state as a place where it is possible to capitalise on clean power, the challenge now is to make sure that Tasmanians can also realise this benefit, writes Rebecca White
TASMANIA’S renewable energy and brand reputation place it at the forefront for opportunities such as the proposal to build a new e-fuel plant in the state’s North-West.
This is exciting news for Tasmania and could potentially offer new jobs in an industry with enormous growth potential.
However, the real opportunity for Tasmania is to make sure we can offer training and courses that align so that our young people can take advantage of these emerging industries.
For Tasmania to capitalise on the renewable energy we generate, we must invest in our people and their skills to help transform our industries and support the decarbonisation of the global economy.
As an island that has been net-zero for six of the past seven years, we have what the rest of the world wants and that will prove attractive for investment from industries and companies that want to lower their emissions profile.
The greatest benefit for Tasmanians from our renewable energy is when we use it to create jobs here, and not just export them offshore.
There are many reasons for Tasmania to continue to invest in renewable energy opportunities.
Primarily investments like these are now seen through the prism of responsible global stewardship in our efforts to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change.
But that wasn’t how Tasmania’s investment in renewable energy started under former governments. Those decisions revolutionised Tasmania, with massive investments in hydro-electricity driving economic opportunities for our state and providing cheap power.
Hydro-electricity generation started at the Waddamana Power Station in 1916, and within 20 years electricity had largely replaced kerosene lamps, candles and steam engines.
The benefit of cheap power was the lure for major industrial companies to set up in Tasmania, creating employment and adding to the diversity of our economy.
Many of these major industrials remain operating in Tasmania to this day.
The allure of cheap power has been enhanced by the allure of green power, with new industries now eyeing off Tasmania as a place to invest to