Read more: Biomass: Fuel for thought
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THE state government is considering the development of a biomass plant in Southern Tasmania, as well as options for a plant in the North.
Resources Minister Paul Harriss said that in light of the state's energy situation, more investment was needed in renewable energy to boost the state's generation capacity.
Biomass, which is the burning of wood products to create energy, was given the tick by Federal Parliament last year to be included under the Renewable Energy Target.
Mr Harriss said the amount of wood residue produced in Tasmania each year could power 70,000 homes.
"In Tasmania, significant volumes of residues are generated each year - enough to produce nearly as much power as the Tarraleah power station just from existing residues, and without cutting down a single additional tree," Mr Harriss said in an opinion piece printed today.
"The forest residues which will be used for biomass energy will come from sustainably managed value-adding forestry operations in the private and public sectors.
"This will ensure on-island use of a substantial volume of residues - something the government has consistently favoured over export options."
The plant under consideration would be based at the Southwood mill in the Huon Valley.
More than a decade ago, former premiers Jim Bacon and Paul Lennon worked with Forestry Tasmania to develop the mill, and it was designed to incorporate a biomass power plant to be fed by forestry residues, but it never made it off the drawing board.
But Mr Harriss said the site was still there with approvals, transmission lines and feedstock.
"Southwood remains investment-ready to add significantly to our energy capacity," he said.
There is also $750,000 in the state budget for a biomass study in Dorset in the North-East, and the Co-ordinator-General has been spruiking biomass opportunities in Tasmania to possible proponents.
The government has been conducting an expression of interest process to find uses for residues in the South of the state, due to the closure of the Triabunna export facility.
Woodchips have to be transported to Bell Bay, costing millions of dollars each year.