Once completed, the hydrogen hub will generate enough energy to fuel more than 2,000 heavy vehicles each year
The federal government has announced it has agreed to invest $70 million into the Bell Bay hydrogen hub in Northern Tasmania.
In a major boost for Australia’s future renewable energy stocks, the investment will generate around 740 jobs for energy specialists and hub construction workers.
Once completed, the Bell Bay hydrogen hub will produce 45,000 tonnes of renewable hydrogen per year, enough to fuel more than 2,200 heavy vehicles each year.
The hub is located by a deep-water port and will be powered by Tasmania’s 100 per cent renewables-based electricity grid.
Combined with the Tasmanian government’s funding, the total cash boost will reach at least $300 million for the project, with the project set to commence this year and be completed by early 2028.
Federal climate change and energy minister Chris Bowen says supporting renewable hydrogen production is vital to Australia’s future as a green energy exporter and green manufacturing nation.
“Investing in an Australian renewable hydrogen industry is investing in Australia’s future to become a renewable energy superpower,” Bowen says.
“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 energy and renewables minister Nick Duigan says delivering the hub will form 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,” Duigan says.
“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 consortium of partners, including TasPorts, TasNetworks, TasWater, TasIrrigation and the Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone, to deliver the project.
Bell Bay is part of more than $500 million in federal funding for hydrogen hubs in regional centres like Kwinana, the Pilbara, Gladstone, Townsville, Port Bonython and the Hunter that the Tasmanian government says will create new industries and regional job opportunities.