The federal government has championed what could be the nation's largest renewable energy investment, but the Australian Greens are wary of the new-found interest during an election campaign.
A wind farm with up to 300 turbines, creating up to 800MW of energy, would be at the heart of a $1.6 billion project at Robbins Island off northwest Tasmania, Environment Minister Greg Hunt said on Tuesday.
"It would provide additional energy security for Tasmania as well as being able to feed that renewable energy back into the other states," the minister said, outlining a plan that would include a Bass Strait cable to channel electricity to the mainland.
"Sites like Robbins Island provide a significant opportunity for economic growth and jobs."
The government is pushing ahead with a feasibility study into the project and while the Australian Greens are supportive of expanding clean energy solutions, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson fears a campaign stunt is at play.
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"We like the idea, (the Greens) are a party of renewable energy," the senator told reporters in Hobart.
"But don't be conned by a national environment minister who a few weeks before an election is deciding to ... look like he's standing up for renewable energy.
"(Mr Hunt) has done everything as environment minister to put the renewable energy sector down, create uncertainty, massive loss of investment across this country."
Effort should be spent guaranteeing Tasmania's ongoing energy needs are met before considering a second Bass Strait cable to export electricity, which would also enable the import of diesel-generated power, Senator Whish-Wilson said.
