Tasmania is set to potentially become the first state in Australia to establish a hydrogen-based transport network, thanks to a new multi-million dollar state government funding package.
The Liberal’s have given Countrywide Hydrogen, a subsidiary of ReNu Energy, $8 million to help them become a green hydrogen producer.
Countrywide plans to build production and heavy-vehicle refuelling facilities across the state, with the first at the Brighton Hub hoped to open in 2o26.
The agreement comes as part of the Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Action Plan, Minister for Energy and Renewables Nick Duigan said, which aims to create a new, low-emission energy sector for the state.
“All up this agreement will initially see more than $60 million invested in our state over the next three years,” Duigan said.
“By supporting initiatives like this, we ensure a stable sale price for green hydrogen, bringing more stability for end-users and advancing our renewable energy objectives.”
The facilities are expected to produce 800 tonnes of hydrogen per year, targeting transport companies and others looking to reduce carbon emissions.
Countrywide plans to sell hydrogen at around $9 per kilogram, making it competitive with diesel and offering a stable pricing model for customers.
“This will see the major road freight routes in Tasmania being serviced by a reliable hydrogen supply,” Duigan said.
“Countrywide will receive funding on a per kilogram basis of green hydrogen sold to end-users to cover the gap between the cost to produce the green hydrogen and what end-users are able to pay.”
The company is currently in discussions with various transport companies and government enterprises about converting their heavy vehicle fleets to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
The announcement comes as Metro prepares to launch a three-year trial of hydrogen-electric buses in Hobart later this year, intended for use across the southern Tasmanian network.
