Tasmania sets 100 per cent renewables target

6 December 2013


The government of Tasmania has released a new energy strategy which includes a target of achieving 100 per cent renewable power usage by 2020. The Climate Smart Tasmania includes energy reduction targets across the economy as well as carbon emission reduction targets, and is at odds with the Australian government's policies on climate change.

It outlines nine priority areas and more than 80 actions to reduce emissions and help the island adapt to the impacts of climate change. It will enable Tasmania to reach an emissions reduction target of 60 per cent below 1990 levels by 2050.

Tasmanian Climate Change Minister Cassy O'Connor said in the strategy, published in early December, that it was in Tasmania's "best interests, economically, socially and environmentally, to pursue" the plan. She added that the plan would enable Tasmania to attract low-emissions industries and green jobs. "I believe that our high levels of renewable energy, our clean, green branding and our natural forest carbon sinks will be instrumental in diversifying our regional economies, strengthening our communities, and enhancing prosperity," said O'Connor.

While Tasmania's emissions represent only 1.3 per cent of Australia's national total, it has higher per capita emissions than Germany, the United Kingdom, China, Brazil and India. Australia as a whole is the world's worst polluter per head of population.The strategy sets a new interim 2020 target to reduce carbon emissions to 35 per cent below 1990 levels, and to achieve 100 per cent net renewable energy capacity.

Earlier this year Australia's new prime minister, Tony Abbott, pledged to revoke controversial plans to introduce a carbon tax and carbon trading system in Australia. He believes that the proposals - developed under the previous government - would have had a severe impact on Australia's economy and energy prices.




Linkedin Linkedin   
Privacy Policy
We have updated our privacy policy. In the latest update it explains what cookies are and how we use them on our site. To learn more about cookies and their benefits, please view our privacy policy. Please be aware that parts of this site will not function correctly if you disable cookies. By continuing to use this site, you consent to our use of cookies in accordance with our privacy policy unless you have disabled them.