Australian renewable hydrogen project developer Countrywide Hydrogen has finalised site selection for its proposed Devonport hydrogen production facility.
Countrywide and parent company ReNu Energy have a one-year option to lease the Wesley Vale site.
The proposed Devonport facility aims to provide an end-to-end green hydrogen solution for emissions reduction across Tasmania.
The site is close to TasNetworks substations for grid connection and transport hubs, the year’s option allowing time to complete the development approval process under the Tasmanian Planning Scheme.
It’s a “further milestone” in development of Countrywide’s flagship Tasmanian Hydrogen HyWay project, as it continues to work towards a final investment decision expected during the first half of 2024.
The site is planned to form one of the initial locations of the Tasmanian Hydrogen HyWay project and provide hydrogen fuelling from north to south of Tasmania, with a Launceston facility planned to follow within one to two years of commissioning Wesley Vale, and the imminent Brighton facilities.
“The development demonstrates our Hydrogen HyWay project in Tasmania is real, an achievement many have been waiting for in the state and on the mainland whether they be the Rockliff Government, road transporters operators or their customers, local governments and organisations waiting to find ways to reduce or eliminate their diesel consumption by transitioning to zero-emission green hydrogen,” says Countrywide managing director Geoff Drucker.
“Our Hydrogen HyWay program leads the way nationally with its aim to produce green hydrogen and deliver a statewide network of refuelling stations to meet the needs of off takers, which also means Tasmania is showing the way for the rest of Australia to reduce the offensive impact of emissions from road transport.”
Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Michael Bailey says by making hydrogen available to the transport sector, Countrywide is helping decarbonise the economy as well as supporting local businesses.
The 0.67-hectare Devonport site is close to the two ports of Burnie and Devonport, the rail network and an existing freight quarantine facility.
The planned hydrogen production facility is within 500 metres of the Wesley Vale substation with an underground transmission connection proposed and close to road transport operators who service customer interests in the state’s north and south.
If leased it will be for 10 years with two options to renew for two further 10-year periods (total lease term up to 30 years).
The project is subject to securing funding if a final investment decision is made.
Countrywide is continuing to work with potential co-investors and funding sources including health and community services superannuation fund provider HESTA and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
