Woodside Energy Ltd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Tasmania that outlines the State Government’s support for the proposed H2TAS project, a renewable hydrogen production facility at Bell Bay that capitalises on the state’s advantage in green energy.
In parallel with the MOU, Woodside has executed a non-binding term sheet with Tasmanian natural gas retailer, Tas Gas, to develop a framework for blending (and for the potential associated sale of) green hydrogen into the Tasmanian gas network.
Woodside CEO, Peter Coleman, said the agreement highlights the Tasmanian Government’s commitment to becoming a leader in large-scale renewable hydrogen production, decarbonising the challenging sectors in the State’s economy and supporting local jobs, training and investment.
“Woodside shares the Tasmanian Government’s net-zero aspiration and welcomes the Government’s leadership in supporting the growth of a domestic hydrogen industry,” Mr Coleman said.
“The Government has taken concrete actions such as creating the Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Action Plan, establishing the Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Fund and signing this MOU.”
“Woodside is focused on moving beyond feasibility studies and is targeting hydrogen production at H2TAS in the first half of 2023, following a targeted final investment decision in the third quarter of 2021,” he said.
“Importantly, this project would create local construction and operational jobs and new opportunities for Tasmanian businesses.”
The term sheet with Tas Gas marks another significant milestone for H2TAS, one of just seven projects shortlisted for Australian Renewable Energy Agency’s (ARENA) $70 million Renewable Hydrogen Deployment Funding Round.
Tas Gas CEO, Phaedra Deckart, said Tas Gas is committed to helping reduce emissions through exploring the use of green gases such as hydrogen.
“Our networks are relatively new and capable of safely conveying hydrogen, unlike older systems across Australia,” she said.
About the H2TAS project:
The proposed H2TAS project is a renewable hydrogen project located in Tasmania’s Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone, a heavy industrial precinct north of Launceston.
The proposal involves a 10-megawatt pilot project producing 4.5 tonnes per day of hydrogen for domestic use, targeting the transportation sector.
H2TAS participants are: Woodside (Operator) and Countrywide Renewable Energy (CRE).
