The Federal Government has agreed to invest $70 million to develop the Bell Bay hydrogen hub in Northern Tasmania, which will be part of a $300m package that includes funds from the private sector and the Tasmanian government.
It will generate around 740 jobs in management and maintenance such as engineers and technicians, while hub construction will provide temporary work for local skilled trades like concreters, plumbers, fitters and electricians.
The hub will produce 45,000 tonnes of renewable hydrogen a year, a joint statement from the Federal and State Governments reads, and it appears that the project will draw power from a 100% renewable energy grid.
Tasmanian Minister for Energy and Renewables Nick Duigan said delivering the Bell Bay hub was 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,” Minister Duigan said.
“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.
