Today’s call for expressions of interest (EOI) in the State Government’s Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Industry Development Funding Program has been welcomed by Hydro Tasmania, which will play a pivotal role in the process.

CEO Stephen Davy said the opportunity for Tasmania to be at the forefront of this emerging global industry is one of the most exciting elements of the State Government’s draft Tasmanian Renewable Energy Action Plan, released last week (13 May 2020).

“With this funding support from the government, in just a few years hydrogen will stand alongside hydropower, wind, solar, batteries and other clean energy technologies in the mix of safe and reliable energy sources for a decarbonised economy,” Mr Davy said.

“Our role in the EOI process is to work with prospective investors to consider their energy needs, because it’s our renewable energy that makes Tasmania such a compelling case for establishing a hydrogen industry.

“While hydrogen itself is a clean fuel to use and produce, you still need electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis, and if that electricity comes from renewable sources it drastically reduces the overall carbon footprint – creating ‘green’ hydrogen.

“Our consulting business, Entura, can also provide technical support to new hydrogen developments.

“We know investors understand Tasmania’s competitive advantage and we encourage them to apply for assistance through the State Government’s funding program, and look forward to the benefits this can bring our state.

“This terrific opportunity for Tasmania is made possible by the ongoing energy security provided by Hydro Tasmania, which will be strengthened by Battery of the Nation, and also contribute to the State Government’s target of generating 200 per cent of our current energy needs from renewable energy by 2040.”