The Morrison Government is backing Tasmania to be a clean hydrogen powerhouse, with Bell Bay selected to be the home of the nation’s eighth Clean Hydrogen Industrial Hub.

The Coalition’s economic plan is unlocking this major energy export opportunity for Tasmania, creating jobs and utilising the state’s renewable energy capabilities.

The Prime Minister said the Coalition would invest $70 million into the Tasmanian Green Hydrogen Hub and $3 million into a second hydrogen project in Bell Bay.

“Bell Bay is one of the best locations in Australia for a hydrogen hub, with its large scale hydro power capacity, industrial demand base, highly skilled workforce and export potential,” the Prime Minister said.

“The Coalition’s economic plan is securing new opportunities for Tasmania and its highly-skilled workforce, creating a strong economy and stronger future.

“It’s expected that around 1,000 jobs will be needed under the initial operation of the hub, with many more jobs to be created as the industry scales up.

“Tasmania is already a clean energy super power. The Coalition is backing the state’s strengths not only in hydrogen but hydro power with the Battery of the Nation.

“Ensuring affordable and reliable energy, while meeting our emissions reductions targets, is key to the Coalition’s national economic plan.”

Through the Morrison Government’s Clean Hydrogen Industrial Hubs program, the Government is supporting:

Up to $70 million for the Tasmanian Government’s The Tasmanian Green Hydrogen Hub Project, with a total project value of more than $300 million when operation.

Up to $3 million for Origin Energy Future Fuels Pty Ltd’s Green Ammonia Project for Export (GRAPE) Bell Bay project, with a total project value of over $6 million.

Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said Tasmania’s unique hydro power capabilities make it a competitive player in the growing global clean hydrogen market.

“Tasmania’s hydro power has been helping to keep the lights on in mainland Australia, and now it can also help to power a new, local clean hydrogen industry,” Minister Taylor said.

“This funding support will deliver the key common-user infrastructure within Bell Bay needed to unlock the potential for large-scale hydrogen export and domestic use, such as for Bell Bay’s large industrial energy users. This includes things such as port works, pipeline corridors and water infrastructure.”

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said the investment reflected the confidence the Coalition and industry had in the region.

“This is massive coup for Northern Tasmania, and builds on our proud history as part of Tasmania’s hydro success story,” Ms Archer said.

“This is great news for Bass and will create hundreds of highly skilled jobs, expand export opportunities and generate huge economic benefits for the whole community.”

Clean hydrogen exports could directly support 16,000 jobs by 2050, plus an additional 13,000 jobs in renewable energy infrastructure construction. Clean hydrogen production for both export and domestic use could generate more than $50 billion in additional GDP by 2050.