A Roaring Success


Minister for Energy, David Llewellyn, today congratulated Roaring 40s for signing yet another joint venture agreement with one of China’s leading renewable energy companies, Guohua Renewable Energy Investment Company Ltd.
“This new agreement will see the construction of an additional three wind farms in China valued at AUD$240 million.
Mr Llewellyn said the three new wind farms, Lijin, Zhanhua and Hekou are situated in the Shandong Province, and will each have a 50 MW capacity.
“Construction of the wind farms is anticipated to commence in the second half of this year, with full commissioning by June 2008.
“This is a remarkable story and demonstrates how far Tasmania has come as a leader in renewable energy development.
“This success is the direct result of the Labor Government’s energy policies and would not have occurred without the major changes and transformation of the energy sector in Tasmania over the past ten years.
“The agreement builds on the existing relationship with Guohua, which has seen the successful commencement of the 50 MW Rongcheng Wind Farm which I visited last month.
“I am looking forward to building on the relationship that has been established with Guohua, particularly its Chairman, Mr Xie Jianning, who is currently leading a delegation in Tasmania that will be discussing opportunities for further cooperation.
“With further developments planned, Roaring 40s is confident that it can continue to grow its wind energy portfolio in China to reach the development target of 1000 MW of wind generation by 2010.
Mr Llewellyn said all this is being achieved despite the Liberal Party’s lack of leadership on renewable energy
“While I am immensely proud of Roaring 40’s success in Asia I am equally disappointed that they have not been able to develop the Musselroe project in North East Tasmania because of the Federal Government’s stubborn refusal to extend the original mandated renewable energy targets (MRET).
“I implore Will Hodgman and the State Liberals to show some courage for the sake of Tasmania and indeed the planet to challenge the Federal Government’s irrational policies in this regard.”