Bell Bay industrial precinct webinar

Firmus plans to build a new AI Factory project at Lot 1 East Tamar Highway, Long Reach — on the former Gunns Pulp Mill site at Bell Bay, Tasmania.

The site was previously prepared for large-scale industrial use, so the land, power connections, and road access are already in place.

We plan to construct two purpose-built AI data hall buildings, an office building, and a maintenance workshop, all within the existing cleared industrial platform. The buildings will be around 15 metres tall within the 20-metre limit permissible under the General industrial zone height restrictions.

Supporting infrastructure includes electrical substations (that Firmus will own), cooling systems, water storage tanks, car parking, and internal access roads. There will also be some associated ancillary assets, including a switching station, water connections and dams used for water runoff capture. All these ancillary assets are on existing disturbed or previously developed land.

Webinar Q&A Key Themes and Responses

Noise and acoustic impacts
We understand community concerns about potential noise impacts from the project. Our acoustic modelling was completed by qualified specialists using Australian standards, site-specific geography and equipment data to determine the sound ratings. As part of the planning approvals process, these sound ratings will be assessed against the criteria outlined by the planning authority.

Acoustic impacts / assessment
The acoustic assessment includes modelling of the generators running at full load at various times during the day and night. The findings are detailed in the acoustic report within the Development Application, which can be viewed on our Bell Bay industrial precinct project page.

The assessment takes a conservative approach, including worst-case modelling of the generators and cooling plant operating at full output. While the default night-time noise limit under the Environmental Management and Pollution Control (Noise) Regulations 2016 is 40 dB(A) at a sensitive receptor, the assessment adopts the more stringent criterion of background noise plus 5 dB(A), resulting in significantly lower permissible operational noise levels and reducing the likelihood of a noticeable change to the existing acoustic environment. An additional 5 dB character adjustment is also applied where appropriate to account for low-frequency or tonal noise.

Air quality and emissions
Once operational, the facility is not expected to generate significant airborne emissions during normal operations. The primary source of emissions will be the backup generators, which are intended for infrequent and short duration use during interruptions to mains electricity supply, emergency grid events or other grid issues that may require their operation at the direction of the Transmission Network Service Provider, Australian Energy Market Operator, or other relevant authority, and necessary testing.

Given the limited operating profile of the generators, the industrial location of the site and the substantial separation from sensitive uses, the project is not expected to result in unacceptable air-quality impacts.

Generator operations and reporting
The standby generators are a backup system and will be used in limited circumstances such as grid outages, stress, emergency events and periodic testing.

We are committed to public reporting on our energy use and grid interaction through our Annual Energy Policy Report, this will include the use of the standby generators and will be made available on our website.

Heat recovery / resource use
Heat modelling has been undertaken as part of the design process. At this stage, there is no heat-recovery arrangement in place. Firmus is open to considering opportunities for heat-recovery arrangements, and working with interested stakeholders, if this arises in the future.

Water and chemical management
The propylene glycol used in the closed-loop cooling system is mixed with water and circulated within sealed and tested pipework, with the fluid contained within the closed-loop system and not discharged to the environment.

The cooling fluid will be continually tested and maintained to preserve its quality and extend its usable life. We do not anticipate a single bulk replacement of the system fluid. Replacement would only occur where testing identifies that the fluid in an individual unit has degraded below its usable condition, and would be undertaken on a unit-by-unit basis as required.

We are also working with suppliers on treatment and maintenance approaches to further extend fluid life and minimise waste. Any waste glycol or contaminated fluid requiring treatment or disposal will be managed through an appropriately certified waste treatment and disposal partner.

Customer sectors, and ethical use of AI
At Firmus, we believe that AI can be used to improve everyday lives, including through advances in medical research, expanding access to knowledge, and improving productivity. AI presents significant opportunities for society, but it has also raised important questions about how and where it is used.

Our AI infrastructure in Australia operates under Australian laws, and our customers are contractually required to comply with all applicable laws, including export controls and sanctions. While we don’t comment on individual customers or customer categories, we are intentional with who we work with.

Energy supply and forecasting
We are working with Hydro Tasmania on commercial arrangements that will support new renewable investment. We expect that the wholesale prices we contract at will be greater than that reflected in Hydro Tasmania's published rate card.

Project cost and timeline
We have not publicly announced the total cost of the full development at this stage. The project is currently progressing through a staged planning and delivery process, with timing dependent on approval.

Renewable energy commitments
We will contribute to new renewable generation and any relevant firming arrangements needed to support system reliability. This will be a commercial arrangement with Hydro Tasmania and not reliant on public subsidy.

In addition, Firmus is working closely with Hydro Tasmania to ensure that renewable projects under development are delivered in a way that optimises the Tasmanian energy system. Our approach is to use commercial arrangements with Hydro Tasmania and the broader energy market to ensure interim supply remains available while new generation is developed.

Alternative energy options
The use of alternative fuels at the Tamar Valley Power Station is a question best directed to Hydro Tasmania as its owner and operator.

Have another question?

For more FAQs, visit the the Bell Bay industrial precinct project page.
If you have another question, please reach out to community@firmus.co and we'll be in touch.