Tomorrow, the COAG Energy Council will meet for the first time since the recent federal election.
I will be reaffirming the Tasmanian Government’s strong support for a renewable future for Australia. We must not retreat from the transition to lower carbon generation in the National Electricity Market.
Tasmania is well placed to play a significant role in delivering further renewable generation.
I will again make a strong case for a second Bass Strait interconnector to strengthen our link to the National Electricity Market.
In the wake of the challenges faced by South Australia and Tasmania in recent months, it is now more important than ever that we ensure that the National Electricity Market is exactly that: a national market rather than a collection of state-based markets.
The Tasmanian Government has concerns about the way the National Electricity Market is currently operating and I will raise that as a priority at Friday’s meeting.
The key to realising a genuine national market is through increased interconnection between regions to take advantage of the resources available across the network.
This is why we will continue to advocate for a second interconnector to tap into more renewable energy in Tasmania.
Maximising Tasmania’s contribution of renewable energy is not just good for Tasmania in securing investment and creating jobs but it’s also good for the nation.
That’s why a second interconnector between Tasmania and the mainland should but viewed as national infrastructure and funded accordingly.
The important work developing a business case for a second interconnector is ongoing and will be vital to building a case for a nationally funded second interconnector.
Matthew Groom, Minister for Energy
