Government eyes green hydrogen export opportunities

Tasmanian Government is hoping to grab a slice of an export market estimated to pass $13 billion by 2040

TASMANIA could become a world leader in generating the next major sustainable fuel source for the industrial powerhouses of Asia.

The State Government has released the long-awaited Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Action Plan, hoping to grab a slice of an export market estimated to rise to more than $13 billion by 2040.

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Energy Minister Guy Barnett said Tasmania’s abundant renewable energy generation capability gave it an edge over other states.

“Green” hydrogen is produced when renewable energy is used to electrolyse hydrogen from water for use in transportation, as a substitute for natural gas, for electricity generation or in

industrial applications.

Energy Minister Guy Barnett. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

Mr Barnett said the action plan set out a pathway for Tasmania to reach commercial production on a large scale by 2030.

“With future wind farm and pumped-hydro developments alongside our Battery of the Nation and Marinus second interconnector projects, Tasmania is well placed to be a major producer of renewable hydrogen long-term,” he said.

“Reports show a 1000 megawatt facility – equivalent to supplying around 1 million homes – could be feasible by 2030, creating an estimated 1200 regional jobs, and supporting a further 2000 megawatts of renewable energy investment in our state.”

The Tasmanian Government has recently held discussions with emerging industries in Japan, South Korea and China seeking emissions-free hydrogen at competitive rates.

Mr Barnett said Tasmania is Australia’s leading renewable energy state, and is on track to be self-sufficient in renewables by 2022, making it the first state or territory in Australia with 100 per cent self-sufficiency in renewable power generation.

Labor’s energy spokesman David O’Byrne. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

Labor’s energy spokesman David O’Byrne said Tasmania had been dragging its heels on hydrogen and the plan was light on action.

“Guy Barnett is right when he says Tasmania is in a unique position to lead the nation in the production of green hydrogen from clean energy sources,” he said.

“But he’s done nothing to capitalise on that advantage. Most other states have not only finalised their strategies, they’re long into the implementation phase.”

Mr O’Byrne said the Queensland Government announced its strategy in May 2019, the West Australian Government released theirs in July, South Australia released an Action Plan last year and Victoria already has a Hydrogen Investment Program.

Comments on the draft Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Action Plan close on January 10, with the final plan expected to be released in early 2020.