Media release – Clean Energy Tasmania, 24 May 2024
Rethink needed on offshore wind farm zone
Clean Energy Tasmania is the voice of the renewable energy sector in Tasmania and is calling on Federal Energy Minister, Chris Bowen, to rethink the Federal Government’s strategy for offshore wind farms in Bass Strait.
Clean Energy Tasmania Chair, Ian Jones, said while Minister Bowen’s support for offshore wind in Bass Strait was welcome, the area the Federal Government has selected for potential offshore wind farms needed to be revised.
“We want the best possible outcome for the community, for investors and for the renewable energy sector, that’s why we’re urging the Federal Government to take another look at the zone it has proposed for offshore wind,” Mr Jones said.
“Most of the proposed area is too deep for fixed bottom turbines and too shallow for floating turbines.
“However, to the east and the west of the proposed area are two locations that are in the ‘Goldilocks’ zone for wind farm development – they’re just right. They would enable cost effective wind farm development in areas that have some of the best wind resources in the world.
“We welcome the fact that the Federal Government is consulting with the community and is prepared to listen. Let’s hope they also act on what industry experts, including the Clean Energy Council, are calling for.”
Editor’s note: CET is a lobbying front set up by the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
