A 450 MW contract would represent up to 30 % of Tasmania's present electricity consumption and would make Firmus the state's biggest power user, overtaking Bell Bay Aluminium, which uses 355 MW.

Hydro says the state's energy system is now "in balance", meaning generation roughly equals demand, but adding 450 MW would require additional generation capacity.

The company explained that meeting the request would likely need new wind and solar projects, possibly through partnerships with private developers, to provide the extra power.

Firmus already has a three‑year agreement for 104 MW of hydro power for its Launceston AI data centre and is planning three facilities across Tasmania.

Hydro expects to announce its decision on the 450 MW request by the end of the year, or by the end of 2026.

Because the demand is so large, the outcome could shape how Tasmania expands its renewable generation and balances supply with future consumption.