Overview
Liapootah is a hydroelectric power plant in Tasmania, Australia, operated by Hydro-Electric Corporation. With a capacity of 87.3 MW, it contributes to the region's renewable energy grid.
Liapootah is a hydroelectric power plant located in Tasmania, Australia, operated by Hydro-Electric Corporation (Tasmania). The facility has an installed capacity of 87.3 megawatts, positioning it as a medium-scale hydroelectric plant within the Australian energy sector. It plays a key role in supplying renewable electricity to the Tasmanian grid. Hydroelectric power generation in Australia is governed by national and state-level regulations, including the Renewable Energy Target (RET) and state-specific water management policies. Tasmania's hydroelectric system is a cornerstone of its energy mix, leveraging the island's abundant rainfall and mountainous terrain. Liapootah operates as a run-of-river or storage-based plant, typical of the region's hydro infrastructure. The plant's environmental significance lies in its low-carbon electricity generation, displacing fossil fuel-based power. Its operation is integrated with Tasmania's water resource management, balancing energy production with ecological flows. The facility supports local energy security and contributes to Australia's renewable energy goals.
Environmental context
As a hydroelectric plant, Liapootah generates electricity with minimal direct CO2 emissions, though its environmental footprint includes alterations to river flow and aquatic habitats. Located in Tasmania's temperate rainforest region, the plant operates within a landscape of high ecological value. The facility's capacity of 87.3 MW places it in a moderate scale, with potential impacts on local hydrology and fish migration, mitigated by regulatory oversight under Australian water management laws.
Frequently asked questions
Liapootah hydroelectric plant is located in Tasmania, Australia, at coordinates approximately 42.3763° S, 146.5099° E.
Liapootah power station has an installed capacity of 87.3 megawatts, making it a medium-scale hydroelectric facility.
Liapootah hydro plant is operated by Hydro-Electric Corporation (Tasmania), the state-owned energy company.
Hydroelectric plants in Australia are subject to the Renewable Energy Target (RET) and state-level water management laws, including environmental flow requirements and licensing under the Water Management Act.
Liapootah supplies renewable electricity to Tasmania's grid, supporting the state's high reliance on hydroelectric power, which accounts for over 80% of its generation.