Tasmania’s evolving energy landscape is in focus this week as various renewable energy projects, partnerships and infrastructure are discussed.

The University of Tasmania and Hydro Tasmania announce a renewed partnership to advance climate-safe engineering and renewable energy research.

Simultaneously, Gamuda Berhad, a regional engineering, property and infrastructure group based in Malaysia, reveals a significant investment in central Tasmania, partnering with landowners to develop a substantial wind and solar energy portfolio.

However, this vision faces scrutiny with Craig Garland vocalising strong opposition to the Marinus Link and advocating for a “community-first” energy policy centered on affordability and local generation.

The Bob Brown Foundation argues that Garland has it wrong on the proposed Whaleback Ridge project due to it requiring upgraded or new transmission lines through sensitive parts of the Tarkine.

Similarly, Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s announcement of an AI Factory Zone is met with questions from Janie Finlay MP regarding the availability of power for such energy-intensive projects and the impact on existing Tasmanian businesses.

These media releases collectively paint a picture of Tasmania at a critical juncture, balancing significant renewable energy and industrial growth with crucial considerations for equitable benefits and the practicalities of power supply for all.

Statements on these issues are reproduced below.

Media release – University of Tasmania, 1 July 2025

Tasmania’s future strengthened by university-Hydro partnership

The University of Tasmania and Hydro Tasmania have signaled a renewed commitment to building a resilient Tasmania that will thrive into the future.

A new Strategic Collaboration Agreement, signed this week, lays out three key focus areas that will help support Tasmania to become a global leader in sustainability: skills and future workforce, research and development, and community engagement.

For more than a century, collaboration between the two organisations has driven economic development and progress in climate science, renewable energy, environmental conservation, and biological sciences.

Global leadership in sustainability is Tasmania’s future. Hydro Tasmania and the University of Tasmania are making a strategic commitment to ensure Tasmania retains that leadership for the good of all Tasmanians and of the planet.

Through research, innovation and education, the teams will exchange talent, equipment and expertise to make this partnership deliver for our planet at a time where a climate crisis is putting pressure on our communities and environments.

“We are transitioning our engineering research and teaching to a Climate Safe Engineering focus, which will enable the expansion of knowledge in this field and allow us to make even more of a real difference in this space alongside our Hydro Tasmania partners,”
Professor Black said.

“There is already a steady flow of high-impact research and training that our teams are delivering across hydraulics, pumped hydro storage, reservoirs, energy dispatch systems and integration of other renewable sources for a future highly interconnected electricity
market.

“We are also working together in the almost $10-million ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre of Future Grids Technology, which is helping to develop a skilled workforce specialised in clean energy for Australia,” Professor Black said.

Hydro Tasmania CEO Rachel Watson said the business was proud of its long and impactful relationship with the University of Tasmania.

“As two of Tasmania’s longest standing institutions, this formal agreement will deepen the impact of our collaboration both in Tasmania and beyond – there are exciting opportunities ahead,” Ms Watson said.

“Together, we’re leading environmental research, giving back to the community, and training the scientists and engineers who will continue to secure Tasmania’s position as a leader in the renewable energy industry.”

Media release – Gamuda Berhad, 1 July 2025

TASMANIAN LANDOWNERS & GAMUDA COMBINE TO DEVELOP CLEAN ENERGY PORTFOLIO

Gamuda’s wholly owned Australian subsidiary, Gamuda Holdings Pty Ltd, has signed a landmark agreement with local Tasmanian landowners to co-develop a portfolio of large-scale renewable energy projects in central Tasmania. The portfolio represents a combined capacity of 600 MW of wind and solar energy generation and up to 600 MW of battery storage (BESS).

The portfolio, which currently includes Weasel Solar Farm and Cellars Hill Wind Farm, has been led by prominent Tasmanian landowners, the Downie Family with development partner Alternate Path. The Downie Family has held pastoral land in Tasmania for over 200 years, and Peter Downie is a respected community member and renewable energy advocate.

As a landowner-led project portfolio, the project planning has been developed in close collaboration with local landowners, community and government to be sensitive to the local environment and deliver local community jobs and benefits, including energy rebates to households within a 12km radius of the portfolio.

Gamuda will take an equity stake in the portfolio to secure development rights for the current and future projects and deliver them under sole-source Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contracts. This will set the company up with a pipeline of energy construction work through to 2029. The agreement is subject to Foreign Investment Review Board approval.

Central to its equity investment in the portfolio, Gamuda is committed to continue the landowner-led principles of the portfolio which will be delivered in partnership with the Downie Family and Alternate Path.

Peter Downie said the deal was a win-win-win for landowners, the community and Gamuda. “We have been highly selective in finding the right partner to work with us to develop this portfolio that brings both a financial and technical contribution and is wholly committed to the strong social licence and landowner-led principles of these projects. We have been in discussion with Gamuda for many months and have seen their genuine partnership approach and commitment to our community values. We’re excited to move forward together to deliver these projects for the benefit of Tasmanians,” Mr Downie said.

Gamuda has been increasing its capacity and capability in the energy sector over the last 18 months to leverage Australia’s clean energy transition. The company’s strategy has been to invest in “shovel ready” solar and wind projects while also selectively bidding for EPC contracts in solar, wind, pumped hydro and transmission projects.

The company is currently engaged under Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) agreements for Alinta Energy’s Oven Mountain Pumped Hydro Energy Project in NSW and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partner’s Capricornia Energy Hub in Queensland.

Gamuda’s Chief Strategy and Growth Officer, Jarred Hardman said the Central Tasmania portfolio perfectly fits Gamuda’s energy strategy to become a leading end-to-end developer, builder, and owner of energy assets to accelerate Australia’s clean energy future.

“This deal represents our first Australian investment and aligns with our goal to invest and construct high-quality energy projects to diversify and grow our Australian business. This builds upon our ongoing success in the Australian infrastructure market where we are delivering a $4.5bn pipeline and is supported by our energy experience across a range of projects internationally,” Mr Hardman said.

Subject to further planning and development processes and approvals, construction of Weasel Solar Farm is estimated to commence in FY 2027 and Cellars Hill Wind Farm in FY 2028.

About the Central Tasmania Energy Portfolio

The portfolio currently includes Weasel Solar Farm and Cellars Hill Wind Farm, which are located on Highlands Lakes Road outside of the Central Highlands town of Bothwell in Tasmania, one hour from Hobart.

Weasel Solar Farm (www.weaselsolarfarm.com.au) is a proposed 250 MW solar + BESS project led by local landowners to connect to an existing 220 kV transmission line on-site. The land is currently used for agricultural purposes and will continue to support sheep grazing alongside the solar farm. A Development Application has been lodged, and construction is expected to commence in FY 2027.

Cellars Hill Wind Farm (www.cellarshillwindfarm.com.au) is a proposed 350 MW wind + BESS project. The wind farm will share the same connection point as the Weasel Solar Farm project. A Development Application has been lodged, with construction anticipated to start in FY 2028.

About Gamuda

Gamuda Berhad is a regional engineering, property and infrastructure company based in Malaysia. Established in 1976, Gamuda has become Malaysia’s leading infrastructure and property developer, providing innovative solutions and delivering sustainable developments. Gamuda Berhad operates in nine countries – Malaysia, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia, United Kingdom, India, Vietnam, Bahrain and Qatar.

Since establishing Gamuda in Australia in 2019 as a wholly owned local subsidiary, the company has secured three major infrastructure projects with revenue of more than $4.5 billion. Projects under delivery are Sydney Metro West – Western Tunnelling Package, Coffs Harbour Bypass and M1 Raymond Terrace extension. The company acquired Tunnelling Solutions in 2022 followed by Downer’s Australian Transport Projects (DTP) Division from Downer EDI Limited in 2023, now operating as DT Infrastructure.

Weasel Solar Farm location.

Media release – Craig Garland, Independent for Braddon, 1 July 2025

Craig Garland Unveils Energy Policy: “Putting the Community First”

Braddon Independent candidate and current MP Craig Garland has today unveiled a number of his energy policies, drawing a sharp contrast between his community-first approach and what he describes as the State Government’s “big business-first” agenda.

“At the heart of the major parties’ energy plan for Tasmania is a multi-billion-dollar deal to help energy corporations export Tasmanian electricity to the mainland—at the direct expense of local consumers,” Mr Garland said.

“Marinus Link and its associated infrastructure will drive up power prices for ordinary Tasmanians, while corporations cash in. Despite being the biggest infrastructure project in Tasmania’s history, the Government still hasn’t released the whole-of-state business case. What are they hiding?”

Mr Garland said he is not waiting for the Government to come clean. “I’m making my position crystal clear: I oppose Marinus Link. I want to put Tasmanian electricity consumers first—not mainland energy markets and not private developers.”

According to Mr Garland, the modelling used to promote Marinus Link is flawed and fails to account for the full cost impacts on consumers.

“If Marinus goes ahead, network charges on power bills could rise by 40% or more. And that’s based on a $5 billion cost estimate—which is almost certain to blow out, just like every other major project,” he said.

“Tasmanians have the highest electricity bills in the country, and too many people simply can’t afford to pay their bills. It’s time to redirect public funds to solutions that actually reduce costs for households, particularly those on low incomes.”

As part of his policy, Mr Garland is proposing a properly funded trial of a community battery in Shorewell Park to store and re-distribute excess rooftop solar energy. The battery has already been funded by the Commonwealth Government.

“At the moment, only four houses with solar panels are connected to this battery. So it’s not being used anywhere near its capability. I want the State Government to install solar panels on every house connected to the battery and let’s evaluate the impact on people’s bills. These kinds of trials are happening across the country—and Commonwealth funding is available for the solar panels. Why is Tasmania being left behind?”

Mr Garland also pledged to drive a major investment in home energy efficiency, particularly for renters and low-income households, by redirecting some of the $400 million the State Government was to invest in Marinus Link.

“This is one of the most effective ways to lower household electricity consumption and cut bills. I’ll ask the Treasury to model different approaches, including no-interest loans or property-linked charges that are repaid upon sale.”

Mr Garland called for a reset of TasNetworks’ priorities, arguing the corporation has been too focused on delivering Marinus and the North West Transmission Development, and not doing enough to support households to develop their own energy resources and resilience.

“I’ll seek a new Statement of Expectations for TasNetworks—one that requires them to prioritise consumer energy resources and affordability.”

He also proposed the introduction of state government targets for household energy generation and storage, along with regular public reporting.

“Improving energy efficiency, supporting rooftop solar, and investing in smart storage solutions won’t just cut bills—they’ll strengthen our economy, reduce future expenditure on our electricity grid and make Tasmania’s energy future fairer and more sustainable.”

Mr Garland also stated that “this energy policy is the result of many years advocating for smarter energy policy, 12 months of a strong focus on energy matters in my role as MP, and many conversations and meetings with people in the field.”

Media release – Bob Brown Foundation, 1 July 2025

Garland and the major parties dead wrong on the proposed Whaleback Ridge wind farm

A social media post from Braddon candidate Craig Garland championing a controversial windfarm proposed in Takayna / Tarkine and other west coast conservation reserves has been condemned by Bob Brown Foundation.

The northern section of the Whaleback Ridge proposed project and Whaleback Ridge itself sit in the World Heritage value Takayna / Tarkine. This monstrous proposed project is 5 times as large as the controversial Robbins Island proposal, with a proposed 500 turbines. The project area includes a known habitat for the EPBC-listed blue-winged parrot. The southern section includes existing conservation reserves and areas marked for reservation in the now-defunct Tasmanian Forest Agreement.

“Craig Garland, along with the Labor and Liberal parties, have got it dead wrong in their support of the Whaleback Ridge wind farm. This private development requires the effective handing over of 40,000 hectares of public land to a private company, including large parts of the Meredith Range Regional Reserve and the Mt Heemskirk Regional Reserve, and the north-western corner of the Parting Creek Regional Reserve,” said Scott Jordan, Takayna Campaigner with Bob Brown Foundation.

“Each of the proposed 500 turbines requires new access roads, massive concrete footings, cable trenches and extensive drainage systems, completely changing this landscape and destroying the heritage values. It will be mass industrial destruction of an intact landscape,” said Scott Jordan.

“Craig’s video claims that there won’t be a need for new transmission lines, but this is contradicted by the company’s own documents, which state that the existing Reece-Farrell transmission lines can only take around 10% of the capacity. Not only will it require new lines through rainforests in Takayna, but we also know that the only substation capable of taking the increased load is at Staverton. So the controversial new lines from Hampshire to Staverton associated with the Robbins Island project will be required for Whaleback Ridge as well.”

“Craig and the major parties have misjudged this terribly. Takayna deserves World Heritage nomination, not to be carved up by private developers for private profits.”

The Australian Heritage Council recommended Takayna for National Heritage listing in 2013. The Tasmanian Forest Agreement Independent Verification Group Reports found that Takayna met multiple criteria for World Heritage Listing. Both assessments included Whaleback Ridge.

Media release – Jeremy Rockliff, Premier, 1 July 2025

Transformational industry coming to Northern Tasmania 

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff joined Firmus Co-CEOs Tim Rosenfield and Oliver Curtis to announce the establishment of a world-leading AI Factory Zone in northern Tasmania, marking a transformational moment for the state and the nation.

“Tasmania is set to lead the world in sustainable artificial intelligence with the creation of a world-first AI Factory Zone in northern Tasmania,” Premier Rockliff said.

Powered by Tasmania’s world-class renewable energy, the AI Factory Zone will position the state as a global hub for clean, scaleable AI.

Stage 1 of the project will deliver a combined 90MW of AI infrastructure in northern Tasmania by 2026 – with 44MW delivered under Stage 1a, and Stage 1b doubling capacity to 90MW. A further 300MW second stage is planned to follow, subject to final approvals. These AI Factories will provide a new digital baseload to support the growth of Tasmania’s renewable energy sector and enable sustainable expansion in AI infrastructure.

At the heart of the Zone is Firmus’ Project Southgate – a purpose-built campus of 100% liquid-cooled AI Factories now under construction in Launceston. This modular, next-generation infrastructure is designed in Australia and consumes up to 60% less energy, while costing up to half as much to construct as traditional data centres.

Southgate will power a wide range of AI applications, from gaming and content creation to enterprise AI and high-performance computing, connected via high-speed fibre across Australia and globally.

The project represents Australia’s largest investment in AI Factory infrastructure, with up to $2.1 billion to be invested in Stage 1a over the next 12 months. This stage is expected to create up to 100 direct jobs, with hundreds more supported through construction, energy and technology supply chains. Additional direct employment will follow as part of Stage 1b.

“This is about turning Tasmania’s clean energy into opportunity – opportunity for jobs, for innovation, and for global leadership in the future of artificial intelligence,” Premier Rockliff said.

Firmus Co-CEO Tim Rosenfield said AI tools like ChatGPT run on tokens that are currently heavy on energy and emissions.

“Producing these AI tokens in Tasmania will create a new type of green AI token – clean and powered by renewables – enabling AI to scale sustainably,” Mr Rosenfield said.

Firmus Co-CEO Oliver Curtis said this isn’t a traditional data centre.

“AI Factories are purpose-built to power, train and inference artificial intelligences. With Tasmania’s clean energy and our AI Factory platform, we believe this will be the most cost-effective, sustainable AI facility in the world,” Mr Curtis said.

“Project Southgate will form the foundation of Australia’s artificial intelligence infrastructure and secure our place as the Asia-Pacific region’s AI hub.”

Premier Rockliff said Tasmania’s clean energy strategy, innovation and skills make us the natural home for sustainable AI.

“This investment by Firmus is a blueprint for the future and we look forward to the opportunities it will unlock for Tasmanians,” Premier Rockliff said.

“It’s a clear example of our Tasmanian Liberal Government getting on with the job and backing projects that deliver – both now and for the future of Tasmania.”

Media release – Janie Finlay MP, 1 July 2025

Where’s the power coming from?

The Liberals are trying to grab headlines while ignoring the energy crisis on their own doorstep. Data centres – especially AI factories – are among the most energy-intensive developments in the world.

Just yesterday, Boyer Paper Mill revealed its $24 million project to convert from coal to clean electric boilers has stalled – not because of financing, or planning, but because there’s simply no electricity available in Tasmania.

Under the Liberals

There’s been no new generation in five years.
Tasmania has become the hardest place in the country to build wind farms.
Transmission prices continue to rise, putting the squeeze on major employers.

If Jeremy Rockliff can find hundreds of megawatts for global tech companies, he can explain why he can’t do the same for Tasmanian businesses who employ local workers and power our regions.

Tasmanian Times (TT) is a community-based news and current affairs service covering the island state of Tasmania. It exists to provide a diverse view of Tasmanian issues. TT creates and supports independent media content utilising the best of modern technologies and tried-and-true practices of public-interest journalism.

Support us in expanding our coverage and developing new content by and for Tasmanians. 

New initiatives on the way include:

  • a weekly podcast covering current affairs
  • a revamped website
  • a monthly cartoon competition
  • a user-friendly app for both Android and Apple devices
  • a weekly roundup of key stories