The Federal Government has announced $70 million in funding to turn Tasmania’s Bell Bay into a green hydrogen hub and unlock the potential for large-scale green hydrogen exports in the state.
The green hydrogen hub will be part of the Federal Government’s expanded $464 million regional program and will maximise the opportunities for Bell Bay, and Tasmania, to be a leader in this energy source.
The Tasmanian Government said it believes Bell Bay presents a perfect location for a nation-leading green hydrogen hub with its advanced manufacturing zone, renewable energy availability, advanced infrastructure, water availability and port access.
The newly formed Renewables, Climate and Future Industries Tasmania, Government businesses, hydrogen proponents and hydrogen support partners, worked together on the Tasmanian Green Hydrogen Hub Project submission which was presented to the Federal Government in late 2021.
The investment will have matching support from the Tasmanian Government working with Tasmanian GBEs and departments, with proponents paying their share of infrastructure costs.
The renewable hydrogen hub is in line with the Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Action Plan which sets the goal of Tasmania as a globally significant exporter of green hydrogen from 2030.
The hub is expected to establish the right environment and infrastructure necessary for operations to start unlocking the potential for large-scale green hydrogen exports and supporting domestic market activation in Tasmania and on the mainland.
There is significant interest in Bell Bay from some of Australia’s largest potential hydrogen producers, including Fortescue Future Industries, Woodside Energy, Origin Energy and ABEL Energy.
