Western Green Energy Hub Pty Ltd (WGEH) has signed a new collaboration agreement to progress the project in south-east Western Australia, with stage one expected to produce up to 6GW of hybrid wind and solar power and 330,000t/a of green hydrogen.
The agreement with Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding in July 2023, and WGEH said it marks another step towards the negotiation of a joint development agreement.
The collaboration agreement sets out a detailed plan for pursuing a full feasibility study for executing stage one of the project, covering:
- Advancement of project engineering and cost modelling
- Collaborative engagement with key authorities and potential sources of project support
- Integration of respective firms that may partner in project execution, including with design, technology and construction specialists; with service providers; and with potential off-takers
WGEH said that the resulting feasibility study will guide further development work on stage one of the project.
WGEH CEO, Ray Macdonald, said that WGEH stage one is potentially significant in positioning Australia as a major participant globally in the emerging green hydrogen sector.
“Progressing a feasibility study with KEPCO, which is a proven global performer with large-scale infrastructure projects, and with its extensive national and international network, is invaluable to realising this potential,” Mr Macdonald said.
“The collaboration agreement offers several ‘learning spaces’ where both KEPCO and WGEH will leverage personnel, information, First Nations and government relationships, and industry and market contacts, each of which will be applied to the project.”
KEPCO VP and Head of Global Business Department, Chanhyuk Chun, said, “We look forward to partnering with WGEH on the feasibility study and related opportunities.
“The collaboration agreement enables us to tap into the expertise and experience of the WGEH team, as well as to be better prepared for a future in Western Australia and Australia.”
WGEH said that its prospects have been bolstered by the Federal Government’s $2 per kg Renewable Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive and a clear focus on the renewable hydrogen and green fuels sectors as part of the $22.7 billion Future Made in Australia initiative.
Image credit: Mike Mareen/Shutterstock.com.
