Countrywide Hydrogen, part of ReNu Energy, will become Tasmania's first major green hydrogen producer after locking in an $8 million funding deal with the Tasmanian Liberal Government.
Premier and Minister for Trade and Major Investment, Jeremy Rockliff, said the Tasmanian Liberal Government's Green Hydrogen Price Reduction Scheme announcement was the latest step in making Tasmania's hydrogen sector a reality.
"This is a crucial step towards realising our vision of Tasmania becoming a leader in green hydrogen production," Premier Rockliff said.
"Under this agreement Countrywide will produce hydrogen at multiple locations around the state, and supply hydrogen for a diverse group of users.
"Initially the project will target the heavy transport sector as well as potential industrial applications with all hydrogen to be sold within the local Tasmanian market.
"It will be part of the next great evolution of our economy, capitalising on our great tradition of zero-emissions energy production to create the renewables jobs of the future."
Minister for Energy and Renewables, Nick Duigan, said this agreement was the latest win stemming from the dedicated Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Action Plan which had been paving the way for the establishment of this new industry.
"All up this agreement will initially see more than $60 million invested in our state over the next three years as part of the Countrywide Project, money that will flow into regional and local economies and communities," Minister Duigan said.
"The first phase of Countrywide's plan is to construct a hydrogen production and heavy vehicle refuelling facility at the industrial hub in Brighton, which will produce up to 800 tonnes per annum of green hydrogen.
"Once the Brighton facility is established, Countrywide wants to expand production and refuelling facilities into the north and north-west of the state. This will see the major road freight routes in Tasmania being serviced by a reliable hydrogen supply."
Importantly, we've set up this scheme to stimulate both supply and demand for renewable hydrogen.
"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," Minister 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.
"With plans for the new Tasmanian Green Hydrogen Hub in Bell Bay progressing well through our $300 million commitment to shared infrastructure, today's agreement marks a significant milestone in our green hydrogen journey.
"As the world looks to alternative fuels to power the future, we're positioning Tasmania to be a key player in this expanding market."
