Tasmania gov kicks off $70 million hydrogen hub

The Tasmanian government has kicked off its Bell Bay Green Hydrogen Hub by officially securing $70 million in funding from the federal government.

The funding formed part of the federal government’s regional hydrogen hubs program [pdf] and was secured following the signing of a deed agreement, enabling the project to begin moving forward.

 The Tasmanian Green Hydrogen Hub Project at Bell Bay was first announced in October 2022 with the state government leading a consortium of partners across the next four years.  

The Green Hydrogen Hub Project is expected to set up Tasmania as one of the leading producers and exporters of green hydrogen and lead to the creation of around 740 jobs.   

The consortium includes TasPorts, TasNetworks, TasWater, TasIrrigation and the Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone to deliver this project. 

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said, “This is another important step as our government continues to build Tasmania’s economic future.” 

“Green hydrogen and future fuels production is a massive opportunity for us, and we are determined to support its development here.

“Tasmania is well-placed to be an important player as the world pushes hard to decarbonise. 

“The Bell Bay Green Hydrogen Hub is a significant project in our plan to drive economic growth and new job opportunities for our state,” Rockliff said.   

Nick Duigan, minister for energy and renewables, said the funding will kick-start the project by investing in shared-use infrastructure such as port facilities, water supply and the electricity network. 

“Developing common infrastructure is a key step in bringing on one or more proponents to build the production facilities required to move Tasmania into the green hydrogen and future fuels economy.

“Bell Bay’s advantages in water, wind and infrastructure mean we are in the box seat to become one of Australia’s first major green hydrogen and future fuel producers," he said.  

Chris Bowen, minister for climate change and energy 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 percent renewable electricity, and this hub will provide jobs, support new manufacturing and spur investment in regional Australia as the world decarbonises.”

The hub is expected to produce 45,000 tonnes of renewable hydrogen a year.