The Tasmanian government said it has become the first Australian state, and one of the few jurisdictions in the world, to be powered entirely by renewable electricity.
In a statement released on Friday, Tasmania's Energy Minister Guy Barnett he said the state has indeed become fully self-sufficient with renewable electricity, from wind and hydroelectric projects.
“We have achieved 100% through our commitment to realizing Tasmania's renewable energy potential. Our energy policies have attracted industry investment and created jobs across the state,” Barnett said.
A story as green as the world
Tasmania has long had one of the greenest renewable electricity supplies in Australia. The state's significant hydroelectric resources that provide most of the energy.
Tasmania's history with hydroelectricity dates back to 1895, with the Duck Reach Power Station, the first publicly owned hydroelectric station in the Southern Hemisphere.
With the growth of wind energy in the state, Tasmania has turned definitively on green energies. And she has been able to reduce her dependence on fossil fuels and can now meet all her needs with renewable electricity.
When the last two turbines are put into service at Granville Harbor, Tasmania will have access to 10.741 GWh of renewable generation capacity, well above its average annual electricity demand of 10.500 GWh.
Renewable electricity, the deal of the century
The Granville Wind Farm Project Director, Lyndon Frearson, said the project will ultimately play a role in the government's goal of achieve 200% renewable energy by 2040.
This will be a non-negligible next phase in the evolution of renewable electricity. Energy as a raw material, and countries selling renewables: once the needs have been satisfied, it will be a business to achieve a surplus to sell to other states.
A historic achievement
“A significant achievement that opens up huge economic opportunities for Tasmania,” he said Nicky Ison of WWF Australia. “Tasmania is better positioned than almost anywhere in the world to become a renewable energy powerhouse and a zero-carbon transport and industry hub, because electric vehicles, steel production, hydrogen production and more will be powered by 100% renewable electricity.”
Greenpeace Australia spokesperson, Nellie Stevenson, said reaching 100% renewable electricity was an “epic milestone” for the state.
