PERTH (miningweekly.com) – A joint feasibility study has confirmed Tasmania’s suitability for green hydrogen production.

The study was undertaken by the Tasmanian government and the Port of Rotterdam following a 2021 memorandum of understanding (MoU) to assess the feasibility of exporting green hydrogen made in Tasmania to Rotterdam.

The study found that in order to meet net-zero targets, long-term hydrogen demand would need to reach 660-million tonnes by 2050. The EU’s demand for green hydrogen imports is expected to reach 10-million tonnes a year by 2030, with the report finding that Rotterdam was likely to play a key role as Europe’s hydrogen hub.

Given Tasmania’s existing and expandable renewable wind energy, firmed by hydro power, hydro storage and an abundance of fresh water as well as access to industrial zones with high-quality infrastructure, the region is uniquely placed to develop a competitive large-scale renewable hydrogen industry.

Furthermore, the shipping distance between Tasmania and Rotterdam is not a limiting factor, and can be easily overcome to allow Tasmanian hydrogen to compete on the future Rotterdam HyXchange trading platform.

“The Port of Rotterdam is Europe’s largest port with plans to become a major green hydrogen import hub with hydrogen supply chains into north-west Europe,” said Tasmania Energy and Renewables Minister Guy Barnett.

“The study informed discussions between key officials from the government and the Port of Rotterdam regarding Tasmania’s potential to export green hydrogen to the port.

“Formalising ongoing cooperation with international partners is of key benefit to the successful development of Tasmania's hydrogen industry and broader economy.

“This is set out in the Tasmanian Green Hydrogen International Engagement and Export Strategy. The study directly aligns with the goals and objectives under the Strategy and the Tasmanian government’s goals to have green hydrogen exported by 2030.

“Importantly, the study demonstrates that the shipping distance from Bell Bay to Rotterdam is not a limiting factor to exporting hydrogen from the state,” Barnett said.

Tasmania currently has five hydrogen projects planned for development, including a 250 000 t/y green ammonia project by oil and gas major Woodside Energy, a 420 000 t/y green ammonia project by Origin Energy, and Fortescue Future Industries’ 250 000 t/y green ammonia project.