Energy

Tasmanian generator Hydro Tasmania contributes more than 50 per cent of Australia's renewable energy, mainly through hydro power stations, and has been a driving force in the commercialisation of wind energy. Basslink, an undersea cable connecting to the national electricity market, has increased the State’s commercial involvement nationally and internationally. Tasmania exports power, via Basslink, when prices are favourable and imports energy via the inter-connector to conserve water in its hydro lakes during periods of below-average rainfall.

Hydro Tasmania operates power stations and related hydro infrastructure throughout the State for the generation and trading of electricity. Two other Government-owned enterprises operate separately in the sector. Transend is responsible for electricity distribution, while Aurora Energy is reponsible for electricity marketing and also operates a gas-fired power station at Bell Bay. Hydro Consulting provides specialised engineering services to clients in Australia and overseas.

Hydro Tasmania has a 50 per cent interest in Roaring 40s Renewable Energy - a joint venture with CLP Power Asia Ltd. Its Australian portfolio includes full ownership of two operational windfarms at Woolnorth in Tasmania totalling 140MW, a 50 per cent share in the 66MW Cathedral Rocks wind farm in South Australia and further development projects across a number of States.

Hydro Tasmania also has a 100 per cent share in Momentum Energy, a rapidly growing accredited GreenPower electricity retailer in Victoria.

Geopower Pty Ltd, Geothermal Energy Tasmania West Coast Pty Ltd and KUth Energy Pty Ltd, have been licensed to search for hot, dry rocks suitable for the generation of geothermal energy. Geothermal energy can be generated by pumping water down to hot rocks about 3km underground. The heated water can then be used to drive generation turbines. The technology has potential to be an additional renewable and low-emission form of base-load energy.

Nu Energy, an SME specialising in renewables, employs 24 people designing, supplying, installing and maintaining such products as grid solar systems, solar panels, solar hot-water systems, wind turbines, remote-area power systems, eco-fridges and electric scooters.

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