Australian Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) has signed an option agreement with Tasmanian Ports Corporation (TasPorts) to exclusively negotiate all land and operating access requirements for its proposed 250-megawatt (MW) green hydrogen plant in Bell Bay in Northern Tasmania.
FFI’s Tasmania project envisages the construction of a 250 MW green hydrogen plant at the Bell Bay Industrial Precinct, with the capacity to produce 250,000 tonnes of green ammonia per year for domestic use and international export.
A report compiled by Deloitte found that the first 250MW stage could deliver a net $2 billion increase to gross state product over the life of the project, with an estimated creation of over 500 full time jobs during the development, construction and operation stages.
FFI CEO, Julie Shuttleworth said the signing of the option agreement marks an important milestone in the development of this world-leading project.
“We are excited to be working with local communities and all stakeholders to develop this important opportunity for the future prosperity of Tasmania and a world that needs to decarbonize,” Ms Shuttleworth said.
“FFI’s Tasmania green hydrogen project could be one of the world’s largest green hydrogen plants when commissioned, creating a significant export market for green hydrogen from Australia.
“The signing of this agreement with TasPorts marks the beginning of a ground-breaking partnership, aiming for the first export of green hydrogen from an Australian port.”
TasPorts CEO, Anthony Donald, said the signing of the Option Agreement demonstrates the organisation’s maturity in enabling commercial growth opportunities.
“TasPorts is excited to welcome FFI to Bell Bay as part of its commitment to support future hydrogen development in northern Tasmania,” Mr Donald said.
“Consistent with TasPorts’ role as a critical enabler of trade for the benefit of Tasmania, TasPorts is pleased to be playing a role in facilitating emerging industries and export opportunities at Bell Bay.”
FFI said it would shortly release an Expression of Interest for the skills and jobs required across all project development stages.
