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Energy Opportunities- Extension of natural gas network
- Co-generation
- Gas retailers
- Electricity retailers
- Renewable energy
Clean, green hydro electric power has been the predominant energy source for Tasmania for many years. The recent arrival of natural gas in Tasmania is providing a competitive new energy source for existing businesses. Tasmania’s energy revolution is strengthened by the development of windpower generation and connection to the National Electricity Market through Basslink. Wind energy projects have been developed in the state. The Woolnorth Bluff Point wind farm in the state’s north-west has been operating since October 2002 and the Woolnorth Studland Bay project is currently under construction.
Since 2001, A$550 million has been invested in the Tasmanian Natural Gas Project and related natural gas infrastructure, to bring natural gas from mainland Australia to industrial, commercial and residential users in Tasmania. Future opportunities exist in extending the distribution network and the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) as transport fuels and as sources of offnetwork energy in remote locations. The availability of natural gas in the state creates great opportunities for businesses to use a cheaper alternative form of energy. Indeed many major Tasmanian companies have converted to gas and are reaping major cost savings and environmental benefits as a result.
Tasmanian industries are also actively pursuing opportunities in co-generation (combined heat and power), biofuels, hydrogen and energy efficiency initiatives. In Tasmania the energy market is only lightly regulated with room for additional participants in gas and electricity retailing.
