Tasmania is advancing its reputation for renewable energy. With a 200% Tasmanian Renewable Energy Target now set in legislation and the development of the Renewable Energy Coordination Framework, Era was engaged by Renewables, Climate and Future Industries Tasmania (ReCFIT) to review the existing assessment process relating to renewable energy projects in Tasmania. Focusing on wind farms over 30 MW, solar farms over 10 MW and the high voltage transmission network, the project sought to identify issues and gaps under the existing assessment framework for planning and environmental approvals. The project also identified opportunities for greater coordination in assessment processes, as well as strategic assessments in renewable energy zones.

Era coordinated candid stakeholder engagement to identify what was working well and what could do with further refinement. Using our extensive experience in planning and environmental approvals, the renewable industry and the Tasmanian legislative framework, Era then identified key findings around six themes: assessment pathways, pre-application processes, policy framework, environmental assessment, resourcing and community benefits.

The work has directly informed the Tasmanian Government’s new Renewable Energy Assessment Pathway.

Project Highlights

• Engaged with government and industry across Tasmania to identify issues and gaps under the existing assessment framework for planning and environmental assessment.

• Recommended a suite of improvement opportunities to support coordination across government and proponents navigating the approvals process.

• Directly informed the State Government’s Renewable Energy Assessment Pathway, which will help Tasmania realise its legislated 200% Tasmanian Renewable Energy Target.