Tasmania eyes a leading role in the hydrogen industry by 2030
The study has identified key projects, if realised, would play a key role in developing the hydrogen potential of Tasmania.
Tasmania aims to be a leading producer of renewable hydrogen by 2030, employing the Liberal Government’s Renewable Hydrogen Action Plan as the blueprint.
Guy Barnett, Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, has elaborated on the ongoing developments for hydrogen in Tasmania. Renewables Tasmania, a government organisation that oversees renewable energy development in Tasmania, has undertaken an Industry Activation Study to identify projects that can stimulate the local hydrogen market. The report is now key to Tasmania for unlocking its renewable hydrogen potential.
The Tasmanian Government will provide funding for the projects recommended by the study.
The Tasmanian government has approved AU$ 12.3 million from the AU$ 50 million of the Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Industry Development Funding Program to go ahead with some of the identified projects.
Funding for hydrogen busses in Tasmania will be available through Metro Tasmania for a period of up to five years. The Tasmanian Budget of 2021-22 includes AU$ 6 million in equity investment for Metro Tasmania electric bus trials. Funding will also be available for testing fuel cell buses in partnership with Tasmanian Transport Association, testing hydrogen vessels and other demonstrations related to hydrogen.
Hydrogen electrolyser is also planned to be available from the first half of 2022, as the Tasmanian Government is also in talks with Blue Economy CRC to bring 700 kW hydrogen electrolyser in the region.
Tasmania has set the target to be 200% self-sufficient in renewable electricity generation by 2040, as the region is already 100% self-sufficient in renewable power generation.
