Vision for Tarraleah one step closer

4 April 2022

Getting the most out of Hydro Tasmania’s existing hydropower assets is a key part of the Battery of the Nation initiative. Yesterday’s announcement of a Federal Government funding commitment of $65M for the Tarraleah hydropower scheme will bring the exciting vision for its future one step closer.

Acting Chief Executive Officer Ian Brooksbank welcomed the funding, saying that together with investment from Hydro Tasmania, the roughly $123M project would assess the commercial viability of redeveloping the scheme and enable upgrade works to commence in coming months that provide flexibility for the scheme’s future.

Mr Brooksbank said the upgrade works will bring a welcome injection of jobs and investment for the Derwent Valley region and Tasmania, which is great news as the state continues its recovery from the impacts of COVID-19.

“The scheme has served Tasmania well for decades, but it is ageing and in need of significant investment to ensure its safe and reliable operation well into the future.

“We know that the future market will need renewable energy sources that can respond quickly to changes in demand. This is an opportunity to future proof the Tarraleah scheme and optimise it for a bigger role in Australia’s clean energy transition,” he said.

The Federal funding support will allow Hydro Tasmania to progress the activity needed to reach a Final Investment Decision on progressing the redevelopment project. It also gives scope to get on with upgrade works that will position the scheme well for the future. The upgrade works will maintain the ability to progress redevelopment, subject to a positive investment decision. The works also help manage risk on ageing assets so they can continue to operate safely and reliably.

Ends.

Released for Hydro Tasmania by Cassandra Leigh / 0409 722 359 / media@hydro.com.au

 

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