The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) announced on Tuesday a funding commitment of AUD 1.3 million (USD 855,000/EUR 781,000) to infrastructure company APA Group and chemical manufacturer Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy and Fertilisers (WesCEF) for a feasibility study on the Parmelia Green Hydrogen Project in Western Australia.
The AUD 3.5 million study aims to assess the viability of a renewable hydrogen production facility, supported by new renewable generation infrastructure south of Kwinana in Western Australia. Additionally, the investigation will explore the feasibility of transporting the produced hydrogen through a 43-km (26.7-mile) segment of APA's existing Parmelia Gas Pipeline to the ammonia production facilities of WesCEF in the Kwinana Industrial Area, located south of Perth.
ARENA's Chief Executive, Darren Miller, highlighted the significance of renewable hydrogen in reducing emissions, particularly in heavy industries such as ammonia production, emphasizing its importance in industrial centers like Kwinana.
The initiative follows a pre-feasibility study conducted by APA and WesCEF last year, with the current funding facilitating the progression of the Parmelia Green Hydrogen Project into a comprehensive feasibility study. This collaboration underscores the growing momentum and investment in green hydrogen projects as part of Australia's broader efforts to transition towards sustainable and low-emission energy solutions.