The Albanese and Cook Governments have finalised a
$140 million agreement to build a hydrogen hub in the Pilbara in Western
Australia.
The Pilbara Hydrogen Hub will be a major centre for hydrogen
production and export, with the potential to become an international gateway to
Australian-made green steel and iron.
It will support almost 1000 direct and indirect jobs,
including for builders, concreters, electricians, plumbers, fitters and
technicians.
Construction on the road and intersection will start this
year, with the hub becoming operational in mid-2028. A planned pipeline could enable
hydrogen production of around 492,000 tonnes per year – enough to decarbonise
existing ammonia production on the Burrup Peninsula.
The combined $140 million investment ($70 million
each from the Commonwealth and WA Government) will help build infrastructure to
support hydrogen exports and renewable energy production, as well as fund
activities for a Clean Energy Training and Research Institute.
The institute will provide practical, job-focused
training in renewable energy and hydrogen for Pilbara residents, including
First Nations peoples.
The project will take place in the Pilbara, on the
traditional lands of the Ngarluma and Kariyarra people. This also includes
Murujuga, where the Traditional Custodians are represented by the Murujuga
Aboriginal Corporation.
Western Australian Premier Roger Cook said the hub
was a key part of his Government's plan to turn WA into a global clean energy
powerhouse.
"When it comes to producing and exporting
world-leading products at a global scale, WA leads the way," Premier Cook said.
"This project will be WA-produced hydrogen on Asia's
doorstep, helping to strengthen and diversify our economy for the future."
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen
said the hub would ensure the Pilbara's future as a major energy producer and
exporter.
"This hub will bring a new clean energy industry to
the Pilbara, supporting the region's world-class industries well into the
future," Minister Bowen said.
"WA is already a global mining and export powerhouse,
and it's now primed to become a world-leading hydrogen supplier as well."
WA
Member for Pilbara Kevin Michel said the hydrogen hub would create hundreds of
long-term local jobs for the region.
"Developing
a hydrogen industry in the Pilbara means more jobs and a strong future for our
local communities."
By 2050, Australia's hydrogen industry is projected
to generate $50 billion in additional GDP and create over 16,000 jobs in
regional Australia, including in WA.
The industry is also expected to create an additional
13,000 jobs from the construction of renewable energy infrastructure.
The Australian Government's $70 million investment is
part of its Regional Hydrogen Hubs program, which is investing over half a
billion dollars to build hubs at key locations like Kwinana, Gladstone, Townsville,
Bell Bay, Port Bonython, and the Hunter.
