SOLAR PROJECT SUPPORTING TASMANIAN SUSTAINABILITY

The tender for Tasmanian Irrigation’s new renewable energy initiative – the Energy on Farms Solar Project – has recently been awarded to Tasmanian company I Want Energy.

This Tasmanian-based company has extensive experience across the renewable energy sector and is looking forward to working with Tasmanian Irrigation (TI) to install solar arrays at up to 12 TI pump station sites around the State.

The solar installations are expected to deliver direct savings to farmers by offsetting electricity usage at Tasmanian Irrigation pump stations and generating surplus power to be fed back into the grid.

Tasmanian Irrigation is working with landowners to site the arrays at locations including Smithton, South Riana, Shannon River, Bothwell, Hollow Tree, Stoneycroft, Liffey, Cottons Bridge, Milford and Sprent.

Tasmanian Irrigation Chief Executive Officer Andrew Kneebone sincerely thanked the Tasmanian Government for its $2.5 million commitment to the Energy on Farms Solar Project.

“This project presents a significant opportunity for I Want Energy, Tasmanian Irrigation and farmers, while strengthening the sustainability credentials of the agricultural sector,” Mr Kneebone said.

“Farmers may on average save up to $5 per megalitre as we utilise the sun’s rays to power up to 12 of our irrigation pump stations,” Mr Kneebone said.

“This is great news for Tasmanian farmers and another example of Tasmanian Irrigation’s commitment to delivering high-surety irrigation water as efficiently and cost effectively as possible.

“Tasmanian Irrigation also thanks landowners for their cooperation as we access existing pump stations to work on these important upgrades.”

Construction is expected to commence in early 2023, with the project expected to be completed by December 2023.

The Tasmanian Government has allocated a total of $5.5 million to three Energy on Farms Projects to increase the use of renewable and energy efficient technologies.

“Tasmanian Irrigation is currently advancing work on the next six Tranche Three irrigation projects around the State, which will give Tasmanian farmers the confidence to invest, expand, diversify and intensify,” Mr Kneebone said.

“With the tender awarded to a local business, we are also supporting Tasmanian economic sustainability, resulting in more jobs and growth for our State across the agricultural and renewable energy sectors.”

I Want Energy Managing Director / CEO Rob Manson said the company was excited to be awarded this tender and to work with Tasmanian Irrigation to further grow the State’s vibrant agricultural sector.

“I Want Energy is proud to be selected as the preferred company to deliver this exciting project. As a local Tasmanian business employing passionate local employees, we aim to deliver savings on energy costs for farmers that will also benefit all Tasmanians.”

Media Release

1 December 2022