Tasmania is looking to ease its energy woes by burning native forests as biomass.

The State Government is seeking proposals that would use “forest residues” from southern parts of the state for power generation.

It has been disempowering time for the island state, with damage to the vital Basslink cable and low hydro-electric dam levels pushing the Government to find new sources of energy and investment.

But it may be able to lift itself out of the gloom, after the Federal Government recognised native forest biomass as a renewable energy source under its Renewable Energy Target Scheme.

Tasmanian Resources Minister Paul Harriss says biomass - burning of forestry and agricultural waste for power – constituted an effective renewable energy strategy.

“I'm confident that there are opportunities out there and the rigour and robustness of the private sector to contribute to all of this,” he told reporters on the weekend.

“As part of Tasmania's attention to renewable energy ... a biomass power station or power stations ...[should be] right front and centre in terms of being part of the renewable energy effort.”

Mr Harriss said it was much better to set Tasmanian woodchips on fire in Tasmania than to continue exporting them.

“Exporting our residues arising from legitimate forestry operations is a second best option, we are much better placed when we value add those residues on island here in Tasmania,” he said.

The Labor Opposition says it supports biofuel too.

Proposals are being sought until February 17.