Plans are being considered for a green hydrogen and ammonia plant at Bell Bay that could produce up to 500,000 tonnes of ammonia each year. TasPorts has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the H2U Group to study the project’s potential and explore options for expanding production in the future, reports Pulse Tasmania.
The collaboration will assess the project’s technical and financial feasibility, including port infrastructure requirements, availability of energy and water, and employment opportunities in the region.
TasPorts chief executive Anthony Donald said the proposed project could help transform Bell Bay into one of Australia’s key sustainable ports. He said the initiative could bring long-term benefits to Tasmania by drawing new industries to the region, strengthening local supply networks, and creating skilled jobs during both the construction and operational phases.
H2U Group founder Dr. Attilio Pigneri said Bell Bay offered the right mix of facilities and resources for such a project. He added that the location’s deepwater port, existing industrial base, and access to renewable energy made it particularly suitable for producing green hydrogen.
The proposed facility would supply green hydrogen and ammonia for both local and international markets and could also feature ship refuelling facilities.
The site has already been identified by both the state and federal governments as a priority area for renewable energy development, with several other hydrogen and green industry projects already progressing nearby.
A feasibility study is expected to be completed by June next year. If the findings are positive, the project will move forward to detailed engineering design and planning approval stages.
Green ammonia is produced using hydrogen generated from renewable power through electrolysis, providing a clean alternative to fossil fuels for industries and shipping.
