Hydro Tasmania carried out the first significant demolition at the former Bell Bay Power Station today (Tuesday 2 September) to pave the way for ABEL Energy’s Bell Bay Powerfuels green hydrogen and methanol project. 

Hydro Tasmania partnered with specialist licenced contractor McMahon Services Australia to successfully demolish the station’s control building this morning. 

A total of 28 kilograms of explosives were used in a controlled explosion to bring down the building measuring 24 metres high and 63 metres long.  

Electronic detonators were programmed to control timing and ensure a safe and precise collapse. 

All hazardous material including asbestos was removed from the building prior to demolition. 

Hydro Tasmania Project Manager Connor Knight is overseeing the demolition works and said the blast was a big success. 

“The team did a stellar job. Work like this requires a huge amount of precision and preparation and the team carried it out expertly,” said Mr Knight. 

“The demolition might look quick but there are a lot of steps in the leadup to the explosion.” 

“It marks a significant step in the repurposing of the Bell Bay Power Station site.” 

Strict safety controls were put in place, including a 400-metre exclusion zone monitored by trained sentries and traffic controllers. 

Works to prepare for the demolition at Bell Bay Power Station began in April 2024. 

McMahon Services Australia was also engaged to oversee the removal of asbestos and hazardous material at the station prior to the demolition works. 

This is being carried out in accordance with all Work, Health and Safety regulations, guidelines and safe work practices, and includes oversight from an independent licenced asbestos assessor. 

Demolition of the boiler will take place later in September with all demolition works expected to be complete in early 2026.