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21 May 2025, by Amy Sarcevic
If Australia is the “lucky country” when it comes to natural resources, Tasmania may well be the luckiest state.
Blessed with world-class wind conditions from the Roaring Forties, a cool climate for solar efficiency, and an abundance of forested land for carbon sequestration, the island state has achieved net zero emissions, well ahead of most global jurisdictions.
But Tasmania isn’t stopping there.
With bold ambitions to become a clean energy exporter, the state is gearing up to deliver more renewable power into the national grid and help drive down emissions and energy costs across the country.
“We’re one of the most unique and promising jurisdictions in the world when it comes to renewable energy,” said Vanessa Pinto, Acting CEO of ReCFIT (the Tasmanian Government’s Renewables, Climate and Future Industries Tasmania initiative).
“That’s why there’s so much ambition, to create an opportunity through Project Marinus to attract further renewable energy investment in areas such as wind and solar, which will keep power prices in Tasmania among the lowest in the country and keep emissions down.”
From grassroots to grid-scale
Tasmania’s clean energy push isn’t just about big infrastructure, it’s about broad-based benefits.
“From local households to major industrial users, we want everyone to benefit,” Ms Pinto said. “The more we can deliver clean, reliable and affordable energy, the more we can power economic growth, support decarbonisation and create jobs right here in Tasmania.”
The appetite from industry is clear. With several large-scale wind developments already in planning, particularly in the North West, developers are watching closely, and adjacent industries are preparing to move.
“We’ve got a wave of interest coming through,” Ms Pinto said. “Concrete suppliers, engineering firms, logistics companies – they all stand to benefit as these projects get underway. It’s not just the energy companies that grow, it’s the whole supply chain.”
At the same time, cleaner energy inputs like green hydrogen and biomethane will help existing industries reduce their emissions and remain globally competitive.
Benefit-sharing must lead the way
Despite the economic upside, community concerns remain, particularly in regions where new infrastructure will be most visible.
“Some locals support the idea of renewables but are worried about how it might affect their land or lifestyle,” Ms Pinto said. “That’s why benefit-sharing needs to be more than a box-tick. It has to be meaningful, tailored and community-led.”
At ReCFIT, helping developers navigate that social license is a key priority. “It could be funding a conservation initiative, upgrading the local cricket club, or investing in skills training, whatever creates real, lasting benefit,” she said.
The case for Marinus Link
To turn Tasmania’s export vision into reality, one major piece of the puzzle is infrastructure, and central to that is Marinus Link: a proposed 1500 MW undersea and underground transmission line connecting Tasmania and mainland Australia.
Currently under joint government review, Marinus Link is seen as a “nation-building” project with far-reaching benefits, with its shareholder currently focused on assessing Stage One (750 MW cable).
“It’s a big decision, and the process underway is a robust and rigorous one, as it should be,” Ms Pinto said. “If realised than Marinus Link has the potential to generate significant benefits, including energy development, job creation, energy security and investment in regional communities.”
“This isn’t just about exporting energy, it’s about building opportunity here in Tasmania. Projects like Marinus Link will support thousands of direct and indirect jobs, particularly in the North West, and enable the growth of emerging industries like green hydrogen. More electricity means more jobs, more investment, and more chances for Tasmanian businesses to grow.
“We’re building on a century of hydropower expertise to deliver one of the most significant intergenerational energy and economic opportunities in our State’s history. With strategic projects like Lake Cethana and Tarraleah, we’re setting Tasmania up for long-term prosperity through clean, reliable and affordable energy.”
“We’re already seeing the benefits take shape. Marinus Link’s head office is located in Tasmania, and local contractors are involved in early works like geotechnical investigations. Programs like Energising Tasmania are helping us grow a skilled local workforce to support this transformation and keep more of the value here in the State.”
Looking ahead
With public discourse sharpening around transmission, social license and investment readiness, Ms Pinto will share further insight at the upcoming Tasmanian Energy Development Conference, hosted by Informa Connect in June.
“Ultimately, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to grow – and do it the right way. If we get it right, Tasmania won’t just be the lucky state, we’ll be the leading one.”
Hear more from Vanessa Pinto at the upcoming Tasmanian Energy Development Conference, hosted by Informa Connect.
This year’s event will be held 4-5 June at the Paranaple Convention Centre, Devonport.
Learn more and register your tickets here.
About Vanessa Pinto
Vanessa Pinto is the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Renewables, Climate and Future Industries Tasmania (ReCFIT) and Resources, within the Department of State Growth – the Tasmanian Government’s central unit for strategic policy advice on energy, mining, forestry, climate action, and emerging industries such as hydrogen and e-fuels. The agency plays a key role in advancing Tasmania’s renewable energy capacity and supporting the sustainable growth of its resources sector.
Vanessa also delivers government programs that help Tasmanian businesses and communities enhance energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and adapt to climate change. Within the Resources portfolio, it provides regulatory and legislative oversight through Mineral Resources Tasmania and the Forest Practices Authority.
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