Tasmanian Minister for Energy, Matthew Groom, has announced a new Tasmanian Energy Security Taskforce to undertake a risk assessment of renewable development, water management, gas prices and new technology development.
The Taskforce will be chaired by the former chairman of Aurora Energy, Geoff Willis, who will be joined by Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) non-executive director, Sibylle Krieger, and Chair of Reach Solar Energy, Tony Concannon.
Ms Krieger is a former member of the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) in NSW and Mr Concannon is a former executive director of International Power and previous Chair of the Electricity Supply Association of Australia.
Mr Groom said Ms Krieger and Mr Concannon bring a wealth of national experience in the energy sector and an independent perspective to the work of the Taskforce.
The Taskforce will undertake an independent energy security risk assessment for Tasmania having regard to:
- Best practice water management
- Tasmania’s future load growth opportunities and risks
- The opportunity for further renewable energy development
- Likely developments in technology including battery storage and electric vehicles
- Tasmania’s future exposure to gas price risk
- The potential impact of climate change on energy security and supply
- A review of energy security oversight arrangements.
The work of the Taskforce provides an opportunity to identify the measures necessary to help future proof Tasmania from the types of energy security challenges we have been dealing with in recent months.
It’s also an opportunity to better understand the potential for Tasmania to undertake further large scale renewable development.
The Taskforce will deliver a draft report within six months, with its final report is to be provided to Government within 12 months.
