Hydro Tasmania Continues Demolition of Bell Bay Power Station

Hydro Tasmania is continuing with the significant demolition of the Bell Bay Power Station. A controlled explosion brought down the station’s control building, a key step in preparing the site for ABEL Energy’s green hydrogen and methanol project.

Media release – Hydro Tasmania, 2 September 2025

Out with a bang – Demolition of Bell Bay Power Station underway

Hydro Tasmania continued with the demolition of the former Bell Bay Power Station to pave the way for ABEL Energy’s Bell Bay Powerfuels green hydrogen and methanol project.

Hydro Tasmania partnered with specialist licenced contractor McMahon Services Australia to successfully demolish the station’s control building this morning.

A total of 28 kilograms of explosives were used in a controlled explosion to bring down the building measuring 24 metres high and 63 metres long.

Electronic detonators were programmed to control timing and ensure a safe and precise collapse.

All hazardous material including asbestos was removed from the building prior to demolition.

Hydro Tasmania Project Manager Connor Knight is overseeing the demolition works and said the first blast was a big success.

“The team did a stellar job. Work like this requires a huge amount of precision and preparation and the team carried it out expertly,” said Knight.

“The demolition might look quick but there are a lot of steps in the leadup to the explosion.”

“It marks a significant step in the repurposing of the Bell Bay Power Station site.”

Strict safety controls were put in place, including a 400-metre exclusion zone monitored by trained sentries and traffic controllers.

Works to prepare for the demolition at Bell Bay Power Station began in April 2024.

McMahon Services Australia was also engaged to oversee the removal of asbestos and hazardous material at the station prior to the demolition works.

This is being carried out in accordance with all Work, Health and Safety regulations, guidelines and safe work practices, and includes oversight from an independent licenced asbestos assessor.

Demolition of the boiler will take place later in September with all demolition works expected to be complete in early 2026.

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