Tasmania’s ambitious renewable energy goals have received a significant boost as the Northern Midlands Council approved the development application for the state’s most extensive solar project.
The Northern Midlands Solar Farm at Cressy, Tasmania’s largest solar initiative, secured a crucial green light, marking an achievement in the region’s journey towards a sustainable energy future, the government announced.
Minister for Energy and Renewables Nick Duigan expressed his satisfaction with the council’s decision, emphasising its importance in expanding Tasmania’s renewable energy capacity.
“This is great news and another big step in growing Tasmanian’s renewable energy resource,” Minister Duigan said.
The development, led by locally owned company TasRex, outlines plans for 400 hectares of solar panels to be installed at the historic Connorville Station.
TasRex envisions a solar farm with a footprint of 600 hectares, featuring a staggering 670,000 individual panels.
“The farm would produce 288 megawatts of power, enough to power around one quarter of Tasmanian households,” Minister Duigan noted.
According to TasRex, the solar farm is projected to cover an area of 600 hectares, incorporate 670,000 individual panels, and generate 370 direct jobs throughout the construction phase, along with an additional 25–30 permanent jobs.
The government said this development aligns with Tasmania’s commitment to doubling its renewable energy production by 2040.
The Rockliff Liberal Government, dedicated to positioning Tasmania as the nation’s renewables powerhouse, said it views this project as a critical element in achieving its renewable energy objectives.
Minister Duigan underscored the importance of increasing renewable energy generation in maintaining Tasmania’s status with the lowest power prices in the nation.
“TasRex are doing a great job in seeing this vision become a reality and the Rockliff Liberal Government continues to be a strong supporter of their project,” Minister Duigan affirmed.
He emphasized that Tasmania is exceptionally well-placed to further develop renewable energy, aligning with the government’s long-term plan for economic growth and job support, particularly in regional communities.
