The State Government has signed an $8 million deal with green energy producer Countrywide Hydrogen to subsidise the cost of producing hydrogen fuel, with production expected to commence in 2026, including on the North-West Coast.
Countrywide Hydrogen will establish hydrogen production projects at Brighton, Launceston and Wesley Vale providing hydrogen for a diverse range of users, with the heavy transport sector as the initial target.
The company’s website says production will be located near transport hubs servicing Hobart and Launceston, with the Wesley Vale project servicing the ports of Burnie and Devonport.
The three locations will also be able to offer the opportunity to decarbonise Tas Gas’ natural gas network by blending hydrogen to reduce carbon emissions.
The Tasmanian projects will be a prototype for production to be rolled out in mainland states in the future.
Energy and Renewables Minister Nick Duigan says the deal with Countrywide Hydrogen is one of a suite of initiatives the State Government is progressing for a sustainable hydrogen to power Tasmania for generations to come
