A hydrogen hub will be built in Northern Tasmania, with the capacity to fuel over 2200 heavy vehicles each year.
The Bell Bay hydrogen hub will produce 45,000 tonnes of renewable hydrogen a year.
Bell Bay was chosen as an ideal location for a hydrogen hub due to its deep-water port and as it is powered by Tasmania’s 100 per cent renewables-based electricity grid.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said, “Investing in an Australian renewable hydrogen industry is investing in Australia’s future to become a renewable energy superpower.
“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.”
The bill for the project is expected to top $300 million, with funding coming from the Australian and Tasmanian governments, along with the private sector. The Australian Government has agreed to invest $70 million.
Construction will begin this year, with completion expected by early 2028.
Tasmanian Minister for Energy and Renewables Nick Duigan added, “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.
“Bell Bay is perfectly placed to be a world-class green hydrogen hub, with its established port infrastructure and highly experienced and skilled workforce.”
The Tasmanian Government is leading a number of partners, including TasPorts, TasNetworks, TasWater, TasIrrigation and the Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone, to deliver the project.