In a collaborative effort to bolster Australia's green energy landscape, both the state of Western Australia and the federal government have committed a combined total of AUD 140 million (equivalent to USD 91.6m/EUR 84.9m) to support the establishment of a green hydrogen production hub in the Pilbara region.
With each entity investing AUD 70 million into the initiative, the project aims to construct a cutting-edge complex capable of producing approximately 492,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually, as outlined in a statement released on Monday.
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This financial backing will kickstart the development of essential infrastructure, including roads, paving the way for operations to commence at the site by mid-2028.
Anticipated to emerge as a pivotal hub for hydrogen production and export, the Pilbara Hydrogen Hub is envisioned to serve as an international gateway for Australian-made green steel and iron.
Moreover, projections from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) indicate plans for a hydrogen pipeline system with a transfer capacity equivalent to 2 GW-5 GW of renewable energy.
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Beyond its environmental benefits, the project is poised to generate nearly 1,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities. Additionally, plans are underway for the establishment of a Clean Energy Training and Research Institute, further solidifying the region's commitment to sustainable energy endeavors.
Commenting on the initiative, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, emphasized Western Australia's potential to transition into a global leader in both mining exports and hydrogen production. He stated, “Western Australia is already a global mining and export powerhouse, and it's now primed to become a world-leading hydrogen supplier as well.”
