Fresh funding is set to invigorate Tasmania’s green hydrogen capacity, propelling the state toward achieving commercial-scale green hydrogen production by 2025.
Guy Barnett, the Minister for Energy and Renewables, stressed that cultivating a domestic renewable hydrogen capability would not only reinforce Tasmania’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions but also bolster its competitive edge.
The second phase of the Renewable Hydrogen Industry Development Fund will be dedicated to supporting local green hydrogen production and utilization, with an emphasis on generating 5-10 megawatts of capacity. This strategic move aims to stimulate local demand and ignite the growth of this burgeoning industry.
Barnett remarked, “The development of a domestic market for locally produced renewable hydrogen is pivotal to establishing a sustainable renewable hydrogen industry in Tasmania. To secure funding, applicants must commit to commencing production in 2025, substantiate the market demand for their green hydrogen, and outline a clear path to achieving commercial viability.”
This initiative marks a significant stride in the Rockliff Liberal Government’s mission to lead in green hydrogen production and integrate locally generated renewable hydrogen as a prominent energy source in Tasmania by 2030.
In the initial round of the program, support was extended to feasibility studies conducted by prominent entities like Grange Resources, Origin Energy, and ABEL Energy. These studies have underscored the considerable potential of the hydrogen industry in Tasmania.
A call for registrations of interest is anticipated in October 2023. Interested parties are encouraged to collaborate and formulate local proposals aligned with the objectives of the Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Action Plan, positioning Tasmania as a front-runner in the burgeoning hydrogen sector.
This fresh injection of funds not only underscores Tasmania’s commitment to green hydrogen but also signifies a strategic leap toward a sustainable and renewable energy future.
