The Western Australian Government is investing up to $117.5 million in two renewable hydrogen hubs, in an attempt to attract Federal Government funding to the hubs located in the Pilbara and Mid-West of the state.
Western Australia lodged applications through the Federal Government’s Clean Hydrogen Industrial Hubs program for matching Federal funding to develop the two hydrogen hubs.
The Western Australian 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.
The Pilbara Hydrogen Hub plan involves the development of a hydrogen or ammonia pipeline connecting the Maitland and Burrup strategic industrial areas, the 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.
Western Australia 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 the state.
Combined, the hubs would create around 2,000 skilled and semi-skilled jobs across the state.
