Plans for a green hydrogen and ammonia facility at Bell Bay that could produce up to 500,000 tonnes of ammonia a year are being explored.
TasPorts has signed a memorandum of understanding with the H2U Group to assess the project’s viability, with the potential to scale up production even further.
The partnership will look at the technical and economic feasibility of the proposal, including port infrastructure needs, energy and water supply and workforce opportunities.
TasPorts chief executive Anthony Donald said the facility could help turn Bell Bay into one of Australia’s leading sustainable ports.
“If successful, this project could deliver lasting benefits for Tasmania by attracting new industries to Tasmania and the George Town region, strengthening local supply chains and creating skilled job opportunities during construction and operation,” he said.
H2U Group founder Dr Attilio Pigneri said Bell Bay’s combination of assets made it an ideal site for green hydrogen production.
“Bell Bay is one of just a handful of locations in Australia that has a deepwater port, a diversified industrial complex and access to renewable energy,” he said.
The proposed facility would produce green hydrogen and ammonia for both export markets and domestic use and could include ship refuelling infrastructure.
Both state and federal governments have identified Bell Bay as a priority site for renewable energy development, with several hydrogen and green manufacturing projects already moving ahead in the area.
A feasibility study is expected to be completed by June next year.
If given the green light, the project would progress to detailed engineering design and development approvals.
Green ammonia is produced using hydrogen made from renewable energy through electrolysis, offering a zero-emissions alternative to fossil fuels for shipping and industry.
