Tasmania is one of the first areas in the world to pass carbon neutral to become carbon negative. This means that Tasmania removes more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits. This is because large amounts of CO2 are stored within its 6.81 million hectares of forested area and its large natural landscapes that act as carbon sinks. Tasmania realised how important its forested areas are and have now diminished the amount of logging activities that take place on the island.
As of 2020, Tasmania has become reliant on its 100% renewable energy consumption. Most of the states’ electricity comes from renewable sources – hydropower and wind. It was recorded in 2020, that Tasmania had the most rainfall than all the Australian states. This rainfall paired with its mountainous topography, allows the state to harness its full potential when concerning hydropower technology. Hydropower is incredibly important for Tasmania as it is used to produce 80% of all their energy.
The Roaring Forties are strong westerly winds that Tasmania is located right in the pathway of. Their location allows the island to take advantage of this wind, and harness it to produce electricity. The country has several wind farms including Bluff Point Wind Farm, Musselroe Wind Farm and Studland Bay Wind Farm. Each wind farm is important as they are the reason Tasmania has reached 100% renewable energy reliability. In November 2020, Granville Harbour’s 29th turbine went online, due to this the island’s renewable energy target was finally reached and they became 100% dependent on renewable energy sources.
Tasmania, even though it has amazingly reached carbon negative, has not stopped looking for ways to become more sustainable. The island state has recently pledged to produce double its renewable electrical energy to 200% by 2040 with the vision of becoming Australia’s renewable energy powerhouse.
