Tasmania, home to a massive hydro electricity generating industry which delivers a net surplus of green power for the Apple Isla, is a apparently exploring an opprtunity to deliver a new type of hydro electricity , green hydrogen.
Thanks he Government operated TasPorts and a company called the H2U Group have signed a memorandum of understanding to investigate the feasibility of developing a large-scale green hydrogen and ammonia production and export facility within the Bell Bay port precinct in northern Tasmania.
It is claimed that the proposed facility would be initially capable of producing up to 500,000 tonnes of green ammonia per year with the potential to scale-up, supporting the emerging hydrogen industry and advancing Tasmania’s renewable energy ambitions.
Under the MoU, TasPorts and the H2U Group say they will assess the technical, economic, environmental and social feasibility of the project, including potential port infrastructure requirements, energy and water supply, export logistics, and local workforce opportunities.
TasPorts CEO, Anthony Donald said the collaboration builds on TasPorts’ vision to position Bell Bay as one of Australia’s most sustainable bulk ports.
“This collaboration represents another significant step forward in the transition to low-emission energy solutions and will help accelerate the state’s contribution to Australia’s future fuel security,” he said.
“Our investigations will focus on assessing the implementation of a large-scale production facility from green hydrogen and derivative commodities, including green ammonia and associated bunkering infrastructure, for export and domestic use,” Donald said.
“If successful, this project could deliver lasting benefits for Tasmania by attracting new industries to Tasmania and the George Town region, strengthening local supply chains and creating skilled job opportunities during construction and operation,” Donald added.
Dr Attilio Pigneri the founder and CEO of H2U Group, said Bell Bay was ideally positioned to support both Australia’s export ambitions and the global energy sector’s transition to cleaner fuels.
“Bell Bay is one of just a handful of locations in Australia that has a deepwater port, a diversified industrial complex, and access to renewable energy.”
“Building on our experience with similar developments in Gladstone and the Eyre Peninsula we are pleased to work with TasPorts to support our vision for an integrated green energy export hub at Bell Bay,” Dr Pigneri said.
The Bell Bay industrial precinct has been identified by both the Tasmanian and Australian Governments as a key location for renewable energy development, with several proponents currently advancing projects focused on hydrogen and green manufacturing.
Completion of the study is expected towards the end of the financial year, and if successful will inform the preferred project design and advanced development activities, including front-end engineering and design, and development approvals.
