The primary functions of the group are to develop potential areas of new business activity, to monitor new and emerging renewable technologies, and identify the risks and opportunities for Hydro Tasmania.
The three areas of focus are:
- New renewables - this includes solar, geothermal, marine and other emerging technologies, as well as maintaining a capacity in wind energy technology
- Remote Area Power Supply (RAPS) and Energy Storage. This includes:
- King Island Wind Power - Carbon Block Energy Storage Project, in partnership with Lloyd Energy Systems
- Cape Barren Island Wind-Hydrogen Project
- Flinders Island Remote Area Power Supply Project
- Consideration of developing a role in the wider RAPS market
- Renewable transport - this includes initiatives with hydrogen, biodiesel and electric hybrids. Of particular note is the partnership with the University of Tasmania's Hydrogen and Allied Renewable Technologies (HART) program, and the engagement with the US Department of Energy's Hydrogen Industry Review Program