Energy Minister Guy Barnett has told Parliament he is heartened by federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen's positive comments regarding the importance of the Marinus Link project.
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Mr Bowen over the weekend suggested Labor's $20 billion Rewiring the Nation program might be used to fund the development of the second Bass Strait interconnector, estimated to cost $3.5 billion.
In Parliament on Tuesday, Labor's energy spokesman Dean Winter asked Mr Barnett to update members on the progress of ongoing discussions with state and federal counterparts on the current energy challenges facing the nation.
Mr Barnett used Mr Bowen's comments describing Marinus Link as a key national transmission project and one that would be critical to the country's ongoing renewable energy transition.
He said that project, the Battery of the Nation project, and green hydrogen production were front and centre of the national energy transition agenda and would form a key part of a supercharged Integrated System Plan.
"I can confirm discussions between our government and Minister Chris Bowen on these projects have been positive," Mr Barnett said.
He said the government acknowledged that Tasmanians were concerned about an increase in energy prices to come on July 1.
He said Tasmania's energy regulator was considering the final price determination which would be announced soon.
Mr Barnett said this year's budget included $186 million for eligible concession card holders to help manage their electricity bills and a $30 million Tasmanian Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme.
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