Tasmanian Government releases Renewable Hydrogen Action Plan Status Report

217

The Tasmanian Government has released Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Action Plan Status Report that outlines the progress the state is making in implementing the 25 Actions under its Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Action Plan.

The Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Action Plan sets out the State Government’s vision to capitalise on Tasmania’s existing and expandable low-cost reliable renewable energy resources to become a world-leader in large-scale renewable hydrogen production for domestic use and export.

The Action Plan establishes four key pillars that will underpin the Tasmanian hydrogen vision, including exploring the opportunities for using locally produced renewable hydrogen in Tasmania and for export.

It also envisions providing financial support for renewable hydrogen projects for export and domestic use, and ensuring a robust and supportive regulatory framework and assessing supporting infrastructure.

The fourth pillar includes building community and industry awareness, developing skills, and supporting research and education.

The Status Report, which was released on Wednesday, outlines the delivery of the Government’s Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Industry Development Funding Program, as well as a series of investigations underway to examine the opportunities for domestic hydrogen use in Tasmania.

It also outlines the work needed to develop the Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone, and other suitable sites, as potential hydrogen hubs, and the progress made in facilitating the delivery of community education and awareness raising sessions related to renewable hydrogen.

Further, the Status Report is tracking the ongoing trade and investment work undertaken by the Office of the Coordinator-General; and the progress made in preparing Tasmanian workers to have the necessary skills to support a future hydrogen industry.

Tasmanian Energy Minister Guy Barnett said the Government is charging ahead to secure the state’s renewable energy future by developing a renewable hydrogen industry in Tasmania.

“Tasmania is well placed to become Australia’s renewable hydrogen epicentre, with the potential to inject billions into our economy and create thousands of Tasmanian jobs, many in regional areas,” the Minister said.

“Last week, we announced our $2.6 million investment for the feasibility of three large-scale renewable hydrogen projects in Tasmania, as part of our $50 million Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Industry Development Funding Program – a backbone of our Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Action Plan.

“But the Funding Program is part of a much bigger picture, and we have been working hard behind the scenes to secure Tasmania’s renewable hydrogen future.”

According to the Tasmanian State Government, the Status Report will be updated periodically to keep the Tasmanian community informed about the work being done to secure the state’s renewable energy future.

Image credit: https://www.stategrowth.tas.gov.au/