WOODSIDE Energy has signed a memorandum of understanding with the state of Tasmania that outlines the 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 highlighted 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,” he 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.
“Importantly, this project would create local construction and operational jobs and new opportunities for Tasmanian businesses,” Mr Coleman said.
