Hydro Tasmania has confirmed a new 10-year commercial agreement to continue supplying electricity to LIBERTY Bell Bay’s ferroalloy smelter in George Town.
Hydro Tasmania Acting CEO Erin van Maanen described the agreement as a positive outcome for both parties and the broader Tasmanian community.
“The ferroalloy smelter has been a significant employer in the state since it commenced operations in 1962 and we’re happy to power LIBERTY Bell Bay’s ongoing operations,” van Maanen said.
“At the same time, as a government business, Hydro Tasmania’s profits are shared with Tasmanians via dividends, so it’s incumbent upon us to strike the best possible commercial deal on their behalf.
“We are very pleased to have reached a mutually beneficial outcome enabling us to continue our long-running relationship with the smelter.”
LIBERTY Bell Bay Executive General Manager Paul Venter highlighted the smelter’s critical role in Australia’s steel industry.
“LIBERTY Bell Bay plays an important role in the nation’s steel industry. We are pleased to continue our long-standing relationship with Hydro Tasmania as part of our ongoing commitment to the Tasmanian community,” Venter said.
Hydro Tasmania has traditionally negotiated direct contracts for wholesale energy hedges with Tasmania’s four major industrial energy consumers, which account for 60 per cent of the state’s electricity consumption.
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