Hydro Tasmania is calling for proposals on new wind and solar developments across the state to help bring more power into the Tasmanian grid.
It is looking to sign a commercial offtake agreement with a project (or projects) that can deliver up to 1,500GWh annually and be operational within the next five to six years.
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The open tender is part of efforts to incentivise new renewable developments that can work in concert with hydropower to meet Tasmania’s growing energy demands.
Hydro Tasmania executive general manager commercial Vedran Kovac said the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) forecasts Tasmanian energy demand will grow from 2030.
“Investment in new solar and wind projects will enable existing and future energy-intensive industries to expand in Tasmania,” Kovac said.
“The best way to meet future demand is a combination of wind, solar and hydropower.”
Kovac said certainty around Marinus Link had been a green light for project developers and an offtake agreement was the next piece of the puzzle.
“Signing an offtake agreement with a credit-worthy party like Hydro Tasmania is an important step for wind and solar developers to secure attractive financing terms to progress their projects,” he said.
“It has to be commercial and stack up for Tasmanians, but working together, we can bring new energy online for the state.”
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In 2024, Hydro Tasmania agreed to buy energy generated at a proposed 288MW solar farm in the Northern Midlands. When operating at full capacity, it will be Tasmania’s fourth largest generator.
The EOI closes on December 5.
