Western Australia will invest $5.5 million toward planning works and studies to accelerate development of the proposed MidWest Hydrogen Hub on newly-acquired land in Oakajee.
The investment includes $3 million to support development of the Oakajee Strategic Industrial Area (Oakajee SIA), which was acquired following formal approval from the State Government’s Industrial Lands Panel.
State Minister for the Hydrogen Industry, Alannah MacTiernan, announced the funding at the MidWest Major Projects conference in Geraldton.
“The Mid West Hydrogen Hub is key to unlocking the full potential of the Oakajee SIA,” Ms MacTiernan said.
“The McGowan Government is committing an additional $5.5 million to planning works and studies that will help fast-track the development of the hub.
“The Mid-West has attracted international interest for its renewable hydrogen potential, and we are providing support needed to make these job-creating projects a reality.”
Located about 435km north of Perth and 23km north of Geraldton, the greenfield Oakajee site is recognised for its world class wind and solar energy potential, which is ideal for the production of renewable hydrogen for domestic and commercial use, advanced manufacturing and export.
Noting significant interest in the opportunity, the Industrial Lands Panel has agreed to conditionally allocate land to six proponents including; BP, Fortescue Future Industries, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), Green LOHC, Kinara Power, and Blue Diamond Australia.
The planning works and studies for the site will be undertaken over the next 12 to 18 months by the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, and includes:
- $3 million for Western Power to undertake a feasibility study on electricity connection of the Oakajee SIA to the South West Interconnected System, working closely with Energy Policy WA
- $1.2 million for DevelopmentWA to undertake land planning works
- $600,000 to undertake cultural heritage works
- $500,000 to undertake a joint study with the Port of Rotterdam and Mid West Ports Authority, examining the export of hydrogen products from the region
- $400,000 to prepare project approval plans, and undertake further feasibility studies on hydrogen demand initiatives and common user infrastructure for the hub
- $300,000 for Water Corporation to undertake water supply studies
In 2021, the State Government committed $47.5 million to the activation of the Oakajee Strategic Industrial Area and is progressing early road infrastructure as a first step towards developing Oakajee into a globally competitive renewable hydrogen precinct.
The Oakajee SIA is one of thirteen Western Australian SIAs, established to provide appropriate locations for investment in strategic, heavy industrial and downstream processing industries to support the Government’s objective to diversify the Western Australian economy and add value to the State’s resources.
SIAs connect key minerals and energy provinces, infrastructure and population centres, bringing together innovative technologies and emerging industries to establish thriving industrial ecosystems to support economic development and jobs outcomes.
