Overview
Repulse is a 28 MW hydroelectric power plant in Tasmania, Australia, operated by Hydro-Electric Corporation. It contributes to the region's renewable energy grid.
Repulse is a hydroelectric power plant located in Tasmania, Australia, with a capacity of 28 MW. It is owned and operated by Hydro-Electric Corporation (Tasmania), a key player in the state's renewable energy sector. The plant is operational and plays a role in Tasmania's hydro-dominated power system. The facility operates as a run-of-river or storage hydroelectric plant, typical for Tasmania's mountainous terrain and abundant rainfall. Tasmania's electricity grid is heavily reliant on hydropower, with over 80% of generation from hydro sources. The plant's capacity places it in the small-to-medium scale range for hydroelectric facilities in Australia. Repulse supports Tasmania's renewable energy targets and grid stability. As part of a larger hydro network, it helps balance intermittent renewables like wind and solar. The plant's operation aligns with Australia's transition to low-carbon energy, contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions in the power sector.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation has a low carbon footprint but can affect local aquatic ecosystems and water flow regimes. Repulse's location in Tasmania's temperate rainforest region means it operates in an area with high ecological sensitivity. The plant's design likely includes fish passage and environmental flow provisions to mitigate impacts on native species. Its small capacity reduces the scale of reservoir-related land use changes.
Frequently asked questions
Repulse hydroelectric plant is located in Tasmania, Australia, at coordinates 42.5077° S, 146.6470° E.
Repulse has a capacity of 28 megawatts (MW), classifying it as a small-to-medium scale hydroelectric facility.
Repulse is owned and operated by Hydro-Electric Corporation (Tasmania), the state's primary hydroelectric generator.
Hydroelectric plants in Australia must comply with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and state-level water management laws, including environmental flow requirements and fish passage provisions.
Repulse generates zero-emission electricity, supporting Tasmania's goal of 100% renewable energy and Australia's broader emissions reduction targets under the Paris Agreement.