Guy Barnett, Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction,
The Tasmanian Liberal Government is delivering more support and certainty for our nation-leading hydrogen cluster initiative at the Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone.
As part of the Tasmanian Government’s First 100-Day Plan, we are committing an additional $100,000 to the BBAMZ regional hydrogen technology cluster to give it the best chance of success.
The Government recently matched $100,000 which National Energy Resources Australia (NERA) previously announced to the Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone (BBAMZ) as a successful applicant of its Seed Funding Program.
Tasmania is the nation’s renewable energy powerhouse and is well positioned to drive the country’s transition to renewable energy and push Tasmania to 200 per cent renewable by 2040.
Bell Bay is one of Australia’s strategically important locations for development of the emerging green hydrogen industry and we are working with the Federal Government to maximise the opportunity for Bell Bay to be a national hydrogen hub.
As an advanced manufacturing zone with abundant renewable energy availability, appropriate infrastructure, water availability and port access, Bell Bay is effectively ‘hydrogen ready’ and presents a perfect investment choice.
Funding for the BBAMZ cluster further strengthens the opportunity for industry development in this industrial hub, and complements the three feasibility studies being supported by our Government’s Hydrogen Funding Program.
Last week I attended an extremely positive Hydrogen Industry Network function in Launceston attended by nearly 60 businesses eager to be involved.
Today’s announcement is also consistent with our Renewable Hydrogen Action Plan, which sets out the enormous opportunities for Tasmania’s renewable energy future by developing a hydrogen industry here, with production to begin by 2022-24.
