The McGowan Government will invest up to $117.5 million to attract Federal funding for renewable hydrogen hubs in the Pilbara and Mid-West to drive Western Australia as a global clean energy powerhouse.
This week the State lodged applications through the Commonwealth Government’s Clean Hydrogen Industrial Hubs program for matching Commonwealth funding to develop hubs in the Pilbara and Mid-West.
WA has globally competitive natural advantages in the renewable hydrogen industry – including abundant solar and wind resources, available land, existing export infrastructure and strong trading partnerships in the region.
The proposed hydrogen hubs capitalise on these natural advantages in the Pilbara and Mid West, and will help to fast-track renewable hydrogen production and exports from WA.
The Pilbara Hydrogen Hub plan involves development of a hydrogen or ammonia pipeline connecting the Maitland and Burrup strategic industrial areas, creation of a Clean Energy Training and Research Institute based out of both Karratha and Port Hedland, and port upgrades to facilitate export opportunities.
The Mid West Clean Hydrogen Hub proposal includes construction of renewable energy and road infrastructure at the Oakajee Strategic Industrial Area, as well as connecting the area to power and water, and developing hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.
Combined, the hubs would create around 2,000 skilled and semi-skilled jobs across the State.
The State Government’s bids are supported by major resources industry companies including Woodside, Fortescue Future Industries, bp Australia, ATCO Australia, Australian Gas Infrastructure Group, Yara Pilbara, Engie, Rio Tinto and InterContinental Energy.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“Western Australia has every advantage to be a world leader in renewable hydrogen, and we are committed to providing the support to make these job-creating projects a reality.
“The Pilbara and Mid-West are second to none among regions around the country in offering the competitive advantages needed to drive successful local hydrogen industries.
“I look forward to working with the Federal Government to secure support for these important job-creating projects for regional Western Australia.”
As stated by Hydrogen Industry Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“Both the Pilbara and Mid-West are attracting global attention for their renewable hydrogen potential, with energy companies from across the world setting their sights on WA.
“Our Government has made this major commitment to unleash that potential and deliver the infrastructure we need to fast-track local renewable hydrogen production and exports.
“We want to partner with the Federal Government to embrace this job-creating opportunity for Western Australia, which will make a significant contribution to global efforts towards net zero emissions.
“We urge the Commonwealth to recognise the huge national benefit from locating two hubs in WA.”
