Energy developers keen to be part of ‘Australia’s renewable energy epicentre’

Clean energy developers have shown a keen interest in becoming part of the country’s “renewable energy epicentre”, which will boost the seconomy and bring hundreds of jobs to the state.

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POTENTIAL investors have shown strong interest in becoming part of what energy minister Guy Barnett says will make Tasmania “Australia’s renewable energy epicentre”.

The state government received 23 applications from clean energy developers through its $50m Tasmanian Hydrogen Renewable Funding Program.

The package provides $20m for projects under the Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Fund as well as see up to $20m provided in concessional loans and up to $10 million in support services to give the sector the stimulus it needs to build a long-term foundation.

“Under the program, a mix of proposals for feasibility studies and infrastructure projects have been received as well as financial assistance with electricity costs and concessional loans,” Mr Barnett said.

“This clearly demonstrates that the Tasmanian Government is on the right track to attract significant investment in this sector to our state which is projected to create hundreds of local jobs and inject millions into our economy, particularly in regional areas.”

The applications received cover the production, distribution, and use of hydrogen with a wide variety of potential end-uses identified, including transportation.

“An independent assessment panel is now considering applications on their individual merit as well as how they will fit into our Renewable Hydrogen Action Plan which aims to make Tasmania a global producer and exporter of hydrogen by 2030.”

Recommendations will be provided to the Government for consideration in coming months.

Originally published as Energy developers keen to be part of ‘Australia’s renewable energy epicentre’