The Australian government is investing $70 million in the development of a hydrogen hub in Bell Bay, Northern Tasmania.
The hub is expected to support the production of up to 45,000 tons of green hydrogen per year, create hundreds of jobs and support the manufacture of green metals and alloys like iron, aluminium and steel.
The project will commence this year and will be complete by early 2028, the government revealed, adding that the total investment will be at least $300 million, including funding from the Commonwealth and the Tasmanian government.
The Tasmanian government is leading a consortium of partners, including TasPorts, TasNetworks, TasWater, TasIrrigation and the Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone, to deliver the project.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said that supporting renewable hydrogen production is vital to Australia’s future as a green energy exporter and green manufacturing nation.
“Bell Bay is a production and export powerhouse, backed by 100% renewable electricity, and this hub will provide jobs, support new manufacturing and spur investment in regional Australia as the world decarbonizes.”
Tasmanian Minister for Energy and Renewables Nick Duigan noted that delivering the Bell Bay hub is a huge step towards a major 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. Bell Bay is perfectly placed to be a world-class green hydrogen hub, with its established port infrastructure and highly experienced and skilled workforce.”
To note, Bell Bay is part of over $500 million in Commonwealth funding for hydrogen hubs in regional centres like Kwinana, the Pilbara, Gladstone, Townsville, Port Bonython and the Hunter.
Furthermore, the recent ‘Commonwealth Budget’ allocated $2 billion for a new ‘Hydrogen Headstart’ program to scale up the development of Australia’s renewable hydrogen industry.