The $1 billion Gladstone Energy and Ammonia project has released its environmental impact statement (EIS).
Member for Gladstone, Glenn Butcher, said the project is an Australian first – converting 1.5 million tonnes of coal to produce up to 230,000 tonnes of ammonia and twelve petajoules of synthetic natural gas per annum.
“AFE’s project will deliver a significant boost to the Gladstone economy, creating 800 jobs during the two-year construction period and up to 200 direct jobs for the 30-year operational period,” Mr Butcher said.
“The terms of reference will ensure potential impacts on the natural, social and economic environment are appropriately considered.
“Once the draft EIS is completed to the satisfaction of Queensland’s independent Coordinator-General, the community will then be invited to comment and have their say on the project.”
The waste gas and heat created through the process will be used to produce electrical power required for plant operation, with surplus power exported to the grid when available.
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning, Cameron Dick, said locating the project within the Gladstone State Development Area (SDA) supports the region’s growing manufacturing sector.
“This is a strong endorsement of the Gladstone SDA and will generate ongoing benefits for regional suppliers and contractors that will grow local jobs,” Mr Dick said.
“It’s great to see the project progressing and moving closer to becoming a reality.”
Construction is expected to begin in mid-2020, with the first ammonia production proposed in mid-2022.
