The federal government has announced a $70 million investment to develop the Bell Bay hydrogen hub in Northern Tasmania.
The hub is set to produce 45,000 tonnes of renewable hydrogen a year, which is enough to fuel over 2200 heavy vehicles for year.
Including funding from the Commonwealth and Tasmanian government, the total invest will be least $300 million.
“Investing in an Australian renewable hydrogen industry is investing in Australia’s future to become a renewable energy superpower,” Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said.
“Bell Bay is a production and export powerhouse, backed by 100 per cent renewable electricity, and this hub will provide jobs, support new manufacturing and spur investment in regional Australia as the world decarbonises.”
Tasmanian Minister for Energy and Renewables Nick Duigan said the hub is a significant step towards a new industry.
“Northern Tasmania is set to be the new home of renewable energy generation, using projects like this to attract huge investments in renewable hydrogen for use in Australia and supply to the world,” Minister Duigan said.
“Bell Bay is perfectly placed to be a world-class green hydrogen hub, with its established port infrastructure and highly experienced and skilled workforce.”
Construction, led by a consortium of TasPorts, TasNetworks, TasWater, TasIrrigation and the Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone, is set to begin this year with it due for completion by early 2028.
Subscribe to Energy Today for the latest project and industry news.