TASPORTS has announced its bold vision for a proposed Bass Strait Renewable Energy Terminal at the Port of Bell Bay.
TasPorts chief executive Anthony Donald said the vision for a dedicated renewable energy terminal proposes a staged development of up to 25 hectares of additional land at the port authority’s Port of Bell Bay to support offshore wind projects in Bass Strait.
The terminal would aim to bolster the state as a key player in offshore wind energy generation.
“The Port of Bell Bay’s proximity to Bass Strait renewable energy zones provides a significant strategic advantage,” Mr Donald said.
“By unlocking this potential, we aim to deliver the infrastructure needed to attract investment and boost renewable energy generation for Tasmania and the nation.
“The Bass Strait Renewable Energy Terminal has the potential to deliver enormous benefits—locally, regionally, and nationally—by supporting offshore wind developments that will drive significant renewable energy generation.”
TasPorts believes the vision has capacity to deliver new berths and associated infrastructure, large-scale laydown and storage for offshore wind components, as well as bespoke infrastructure to support the construction, operation, and maintenance of multiple on and offshore wind projects for Tasmania and Southeast Australia.
Mr Donald revealed the project has now passed the concept and identification phase, with timing of future phases considered to align with the investment funding decisions of offshore wind proponents, in order to ensure TasPorts’ business case meets industry timelines and needs.
Work so far has reportedly included market testing, extensive groundwork, including environmental studies, advanced drone and LIDAR surveys, and 3D bathymetry mapping, which has identified preferred reclamation areas to create new land capacity tailored to the significant scale of offshore wind projects.
With the project now moving into its selection phase, TasPorts will now conduct more in-depth feasibility studies to identify the most viable development pathway, in consultation with industry proponents and the Tasmanian Government.
TasPorts said a preferred project case is expected by mid-2025, with the ultimate goal of presenting a comprehensive business case by mid-2026, subject to funding and commercial agreements with industry proponents.
While it believes the project has the potential to power the local economy and reinforce Tasmania’s reputation as a renewable energy leader, TasPorts said its progress will depend on rigorous planning and collaboration with key stakeholders at every stage.
