Guy Barnett, Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, Minister for Primary Industries and Water,
The Tasmanian Liberal Government has a clear plan to Secure Our Future as we lead the nation in key sectors like renewable energy, green hydrogen and irrigation.
In today's State of the State address, the Premier outlined our aspirations to be Australia's renewable powerhouse and to invest more in green hydrogen technology, bioenergy and to continue to grow our booming agricultural sector.
Thanks to a century of hard work, invention, and sacrifice we have been at net zero emissions for six of the past seven years, we are 100 per cent powered by renewables and we have legislated to be at 200 per cent by 2040.
Tasmania is on track to be a global leader in green hydrogen production by 2030, and we are expecting a decision shortly on our Commonwealth funding application to establish a Green Hydrogen Hub at Bell Bay.
Bell Bay presents as a perfect location for a nation-leading green hydrogen hub with its advanced manufacturing zone, renewable energy availability, appropriate infrastructure, water availability and port access.
We've always said that our plans for Bell Bay as a green hydrogen hub is bolstered by the proposed Marinus Link interconnector and Hydro Tasmania's Battery of the Nation project.
Critical underwater engineering surveys for Marinus Link are currently underway and with growing demand for renewable energy we need more capacity to store and transport energy to ensure Tasmania earns a premium for its renewable energy product and accelerate our economic prosperity.
Complementing the opportunities for new renewable energy generation, Tasmania can lead the way in the deployment of new technologies to meet our target of net zero emissions by 2030.
We have made up to $12.3 million available for the trial of green hydrogen buses and the investigation of opportunities to use green hydrogen for trucking and marine vessels.
Metro Tasmania has already begun working on the integration of green hydrogen into its fleet, and the development of refuelling infrastructure and hydrogen supply chains.
In the upcoming Tasmanian Budget, the Government will invest $10 million over four years to replace our ageing fleet of fossil fuel boilers in schools, hospitals and correctional facilities with renewable energy-powered alternatives including bioenergy technology which will improve environmental, social and health outcomes for future generations.
We will also shortly be releasing our Renewable Energy Coordination Framework to support the strategic growth of renewables in our State through best-practice consultation and engagement.
Tasmania's irrigation projects are outstripping every other State allowing farmers to expand the area planted to high-value crops, increase rotations, boost yields, and diversify into new agricultural enterprises.
When delivered, the estimated $370 million South East Irrigation Scheme will be the biggest irrigation project in Tasmania's history, expected to deliver more than 40,000 megalitres annually, supporting a further $150 million in on-farm investment, with the potential to create more than 2,000 local jobs.
My Government is working with the Australian Government to progress the development of a Business Case for an estimated $300 million Southern Midlands Irrigation scheme, which will deliver a similar economic benefit to the heart of Tasmania
The Tasmanian Liberal Government is delivering on its aspirational plan for Tasmania which will build stronger communities and create more jobs, many in regional areas.
