Hydropower secured for Tasmania’s future

Tasmania’s energy fleet is being safeguarded for the next ten years, with Hydro Tasmania releasing its ten-year $1.6 billion vision to modernise its hydropower network.

The increased investment secures Hydro’s position as a Tasmanian powerhouse that will drive job creation and economic growth in the future.

Minister for Energy and Renewables, Nick Duigan, welcomed Hydro’s announcement that will prepare the state for a new hydropower era.

“Tasmanian Hydro had been the cornerstone of Tasmania’s economic growth over the past century,” Minister Duigan said.
“With Tasmanian energy consumption predicted to continue to grow, we can’t afford to reduce our hydro generator fleet. We need it well maintained while being safe and reliable to ensure our state has the energy it requires in the future.

“That is why this announcement to invest in the backbone of the state’s energy generation is essential. This ten-year investment will ensure that Tasmanian’s Hydro generation continues to drive the state’s economy and jobs.

“The significant investment will build on the vital construction at Tarraleah and Cethana with further upgrades to be undertaken at ten power stations and five dams.

“This long-term vision acknowledges the years of engineering and logistical planning required to deliver this scale of works.”

Under the Tasmanian Government’s Tasmanian First Energy Guarantee Policy – announced in the 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, we have already rewritten Hydro Tasmania’s charter and returned Hydro to its foundational principles: putting Tasmanian prices and Tasmanian jobs first.

“This ten-year plan will ensure that Hydro’s focus is firmly on supporting the lowest possible power prices for Tasmanians while also producing low-cost renewable energy for Tasmanians, supporting the Tasmanian economy and jobs,” Minister Duigan said.

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