TasPorts and the H2U Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to investigate the feasibility of developing a green hydrogen and ammonia production and export facility at the Bell Bay port precinct in northern Tasmania.

The proposed facility would initially be capable of producing up to 500,000 tonnes of green ammonia per year with the potential to scale up, according to the announcement.

Under the MoU, TasPorts and the H2U Group will assess the technical, economic, environmental, and social feasibility of the project, including potential port infrastructure requirements, energy and water supply, export logistics, and local workforce opportunities.

TasPorts CEO Anthony Donald said the collaboration builds on TasPorts' vision to position Bell Bay as one of Australia's most sustainable bulk ports.

"This collaboration represents another significant step forward in the transition to low-emission energy solutions and will help accelerate the state's contribution to Australia's future fuel security," he said.

"Our investigations will focus on assessing the implementation of a large-scale production facility from green hydrogen and derivative commodities — including green ammonia and associated bunkering infrastructure — for export and domestic use."

Donald noted that the project could deliver benefits for Tasmania by attracting new industries to the state and the George Town region, strengthening local supply chains, and creating skilled job opportunities during construction and operation.

H2U Group Founder and CEO Dr. Attilio Pigneri said Bell Bay was positioned to support both Australia's export ambitions and the global energy sector's transition to cleaner fuels.

"Bell Bay is one of just a handful of locations in Australia that has a deepwater port, a diversified industrial complex, and access to renewable energy," he said.

"Building on our experience with similar developments in Gladstone and the Eyre Peninsula, we are pleased to work with TasPorts to support our vision for an integrated green energy export hub at Bell Bay," Dr. Pigneri said.

The Bell Bay industrial precinct has been identified by both the Tasmanian and Australian Governments as a location for renewable energy development, with several proponents currently advancing projects focused on hydrogen and green manufacturing.

Completion of the study is expected towards the end of the financial year. If the feasibility study supports the project, it will inform the preferred project design and advanced development activities, including front-end engineering and design, and development approvals.

H2U Group has been developing green hydrogen and ammonia projects in Australia, including the H2-Hub Gladstone project in Queensland and the Eyre Peninsula Gateway project in South Australia.