The federal and Western Australian governments have finalised a $140 million deal to build a hydrogen production and export facility in the Pilbara.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen says the hub has the potential to become an international gateway for Australian-made green steel and iron.
“WA is already a global mining and export powerhouse, and it’s now primed to become a world-leading hydrogen supplier as well,” he said on Monday.
The hub infrastructure is expected to be operational in mid-2028 and is likely to support about 1000 jobs, with construction on the road and intersection to start in 2024.
A planned pipeline could enable hydrogen production of around 492,000 tonnes per year, which is enough to decarbonise existing ammonia production on the Burrup Peninsula.
Premier Roger Cook said the hub would further his government’s plan to turn WA into a global clean energy powerhouse.
“This project will be WA-produced hydrogen on Asia’s doorstep, helping to strengthen and diversify our economy for the future,” he said.
Australia’s burgeoning hydrogen industry is projected to generate an extra $50 billion by 2050 and create more than 16,000 jobs in regional areas.
The Albanese and WA governments contributed $70 million each to build infrastructure.
Rock art protection group, Friends of Australian Rock Art, has called for urgent clarification about the facility’s location.
It is concerned the hub could create further risks for ancient Murujuga rock art and further undermine the proposed World Heritage listing of the Burrup Peninsula.
The federal government is also investing in hydrogen hubs in other parts of the nation, such as Kwinana, which is also in WA, Gladstone and Townsville in Queensland, Bell Bay in northern Tasmania, Port Bonython in South Australia, and NSW’s Hunter Valley.
Aaron Bunch
(Australian Associated Press)
