A joint feasibility study conducted by the Tasmanian government and the Port of Rotterdam has confirmed Tasmania’s potential as a key player in green hydrogen production.
The study, which followed a memorandum of understanding signed in 2021, aimed to assess the feasibility of exporting green hydrogen from Tasmania to Rotterdam. The findings reveal that Tasmania’s favorable conditions, including abundant renewable energy resources and access to high-quality infrastructure, position the region to develop a competitive large-scale renewable hydrogen industry.
According to the study, meeting long-term net-zero targets would require global hydrogen demand to reach 660 million tonnes by 2050. The European Union’s demand for green hydrogen imports alone is projected to reach 10 million tonnes per year by 2030. Rotterdam, known for its ambition to become Europe’s hydrogen hub, is expected to play a crucial role in meeting this demand. Tasmania’s proximity to Rotterdam is not a limiting factor, as the shipping distance can be easily overcome to enable Tasmanian hydrogen to compete on the future Rotterdam HyXchange trading platform.
Guy Barnett, Tasmania’s Energy and Renewables Minister, emphasized the significance of the Port of Rotterdam as Europe’s largest port and its plans to become a major green hydrogen import hub. The study facilitated discussions between Tasmanian and Rotterdam officials, fostering ongoing cooperation and aligning with Tasmania’s Green Hydrogen International Engagement and Export Strategy. This strategy outlines Tasmania’s goal of exporting green hydrogen by 2030 and highlights the importance of international partnerships for the successful development of the hydrogen industry and the broader economy.
Tasmania already has five hydrogen projects in the pipeline, including initiatives by Woodside Energy, Origin Energy, and Fortescue Future Industries. These projects encompass plans for large-scale green ammonia production, with Woodside Energy’s project aiming for an annual capacity of 250,000 tonnes and Origin Energy’s and Fortescue Future Industries’ projects targeting capacities of 420,000 tonnes and 250,000 tonnes, respectively.
The prospects for Tasmania’s green hydrogen industry are promising, given its favorable renewable energy mix, robust infrastructure, and the growing global demand for clean hydrogen. The region’s ability to leverage its renewable resources and establish strong international partnerships positions it as a potential leader in the renewable hydrogen sector. With ambitious goals set for hydrogen exports by 2030, Tasmania is poised to contribute significantly to the global transition toward a sustainable and decarbonized future.
