Hydro Tasmania is in ongoing negotiations of the energy supply contract for Rio Tinto’s Bell Bay Aluminium Smelter, as they review their global operations in the face of a downturn in aluminium prices.

As the world looks at ways to decarbonise, aluminium businesses globally have begun streamlining their operations, closing carbon-intensive smelters and prioritising hydro-powered operations.

We are very pleased the industry sees the value of ‘green’ aluminium, produced from renewable energy, and are encouraged that Rio Tinto has seized this opportunity by announcing its Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) certification earlier this month, for some of its operations in Australia and New Zealand.

As Australia’s largest producer of renewable energy, we stand ready to help Tasmanian businesses capitalise on the opportunities provided by our clean energy.

We continue to work with current and potential new major industrial customers to provide clean electricity that is commercial for the customer and Hydro Tasmania.

Earlier this week we were proud to announce a new energy supply agreement with Norske Skog for their Boyer paper mill, another of Tasmania’s major businesses, supporting their continued operation and keeping jobs in the state, while also being commercially sound for Hydro Tasmania.

*Details of contracts and negotiations with major industrial customers are commercial in confidence.

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Released for Hydro Tasmania by Cassandra Leigh / 0409 722359 / media@hydro.com.au.