Advice and services. All you need to know.
The Australian and Tasmanian governments have policies influencing renewable energy development in Tasmania.
The relatively new and often higher cost nature of the majority of renewable energy technologies means that they often require additional assistance to get off the ground. A number of programs are in place nationally and within Tasmania to assist with research and development and projects that are or may become commercially viable.
Tasmanian Government Programs
The Office of Energy Planning and Conservation within the Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources has responsibility for energy policy.
Current State and National projects include:
- national energy market Reforms
- energy planning - supply and demand analysis
- energy emergency planning
- National Energy Efficiency policy and other demand side initiatives.
http://www.dier.tas.gov.au/about_dier/divisions/office_of_energy_planning__and__conservation
Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts
The Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts promotes the development of the renewable energy industry and investment in renewable energy projects in Tasmania.
http://www.development.tas.gov.au/
Renewable Energy Loan Scheme
The Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts administers the government's $30M Renewable Energy Loan Scheme (RELS). The scheme provides discounted loans to eligible organisations through a merit based process. Renewable energy projects eligible for assistance include wind, solar, bio-energy, wave/tidal, geothermal and hydro. Further information about the Scheme, along with the RELS Guidelines, can be accessed at the following link:
http://www.development.tas.gov.au/economic/funding/loans/Industry_funding_programs/renewable_energy_loan_scheme
Renewable Energy Fund – King and Flinders Islands
The Office of Energy Planning and Conservation (OEPC) at the Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources (Tasmanian Government) is administering this program for small scale renewable energy innovation on the Bass Strait Islands. The REF closed to first round applications on 20 May 2011. Further information about the Fund, along with the Program Guidelines, can be accessed at the following link:
http://www.dier.tas.gov.au/energy/renewable_energy_fund
Australian Government Programs
The Federal Government determines national renewable energy policies and administers various renewable energy assistance programs.
Ministerial Council on Energy and Resources
The Ministerial Council on Energy and Resources (MCER) is the national policy and governance body for the Australian energy market, responsible for delivering the economic and environmental benefits for Australia resulting from implementation of the Council of Australian Governments national energy policy framework. Further information on the MCER can be found here: http://www.mce.gov.au/
Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism
The Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism provides advice and policy support to the Australian Government regarding Australia's resources, energy and tourism sectors. More information about the department can be found here: http://www.ret.gov.au/
Clean Energy Futures
The Australian Government’s Clean Energy Future (CEF) plan released in July 2011 substantially boosts the national funding available for developing the renewable energy industry in Tasmania. New or enhanced CEF funding includes a $10 billion clean energy finance fund, $200 million innovation program, and $3.2 billion in existing assistance that has been consolidated under the new Australian Renewable Energy Agency.
http://www.cleanenergyfuture.gov.au/
Australian Centre for Renewable Energy (ACRE)
ACRE will continue to administer a range of national renewable energy programs until it is integrated into the planned Australian Renewable Energy Agency proposed as part of the CEF package. More information on ACRE’s current strategic direction and programs is available at:
http://www.ret.gov.au/energy/clean/cei/acre/Pages/default.aspx
