The Australian Government is set to invest $70 million in the Bell Bay hydrogen hub development in Northern Tasmania, boosting regional employment and advancing Australia’s future as a renewable energy superpower.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen emphasised the importance of supporting renewable hydrogen production for Australia’s future as a green energy exporter and manufacturing nation.
“Investing in an Australian renewable hydrogen industry is investing in Australia’s future to become a renewable energy superpower,” Minister Bowen said.
“Bell Bay is a production and export powerhouse, backed by 100% renewable electricity, and this hub will provide jobs, support new manufacturing and spur investment in regional Australia as the world decarbonises,” Minister Bowen added.
The project is expected to create 740 jobs for energy specialists like engineers and technicians while attracting local skilled trades like concreters, plumbers, fitters, and electricians.
The hub is set to generate 45,000 tonnes of renewable hydrogen annually, sufficient to power over 2,200 heavy vehicles.
According to the Federal Government, Bell Bay is a prime location for a hydrogen hub with its deep-waterport and powered by Tasmania’s 100% renewable electricity grid.
Tasmanian Minister for Energy and Renewables Nick Duigan emphasised the significant milestone of delivering the Bell Bay hub as a significant step towards a 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.
According to Minister Duigan, the Tasmanian Government is leading a consortium of partners, which includes TasPorts, TasNetworks, TasWater, TasIrrigation, and the Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone, to deliver the Bell Bay hydrogen hub.
“Bell Bay is part of over $500 million in Commonwealth funding for hydrogen hubs in regional centres like Kwinana, the Pilbara, Gladstone, Townsville, Port Bonython and the Hunter that will create new industries and regional job opportunities.”
The investment, which includes funding from the Commonwealth and Tasmanian Governments, is expected to reach a total of at least $300 million.
The Bell Bay hydrogen hub development will commence this year and is expected to be completed by early 2028.
