Tasmania moves to secure Bell Bay Aluminium’s future amid national smelter pressures
The Tasmanian Government has moved to stabilise the immediate future of Bell Bay Aluminium (BBA) by extending its power agreement with Hydro Tasmania, Australia’s top renewable generator, for one year. The agreement protects more than 550 jobs and ensures uninterrupted operations while the state finalises long-term arrangements with Canberra.
Tasmanian Minister for Energy and Renewables Nick Duigan says this one-year deal creates room to confirm BBA’s eligibility for the Green Aluminium Production Credit Scheme, a key federal mechanism intended to support low-carbon metal production. According to him, it is a small step towards a long-term, sustainable arrangement with Canberra. “Smelters across the nation are facing headwinds, and this national challenge requires a national response,” he said, noting that the Federal Government is now firmly at the table.
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Why Bell Bay matters more than ever
Duigan emphasised the importance of the smelter by pointing out it was Australia’s only aluminium smelter powered entirely by renewable energy. Located at Bell Bay, near George Town, in northern Tasmania, the smelter has a long history since 1960 in supporting almost 300 local businesses and injecting USD 700 million each year into the state.
Duigan asserted, “We look forward to working with the Federal Government on the future of the Bell Bay smelter for the workers, their families and the broader Tasmanian economy.”
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