Washington State is set to construct a $140 million hydrogen hub by 2024, solidifying its position as a global hydrogen powerhouse. The hub, located in the Pilbara region, will serve as a major center for hydrogen production and export, with an estimated capacity of 492,000 tonnes per year. The project is part of the government’s plan to turn Australia into a global leader in green hydrogen.
The hub will not only contribute to the state’s clean energy industry but also support its world-class industries well into the future. Energy and Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen emphasized the significance of the hub, stating that it would transform the Pilbara region and make WA a world-leading hydrogen supplier. WA Premier Roger Cook echoed this sentiment, highlighting the project’s potential to strengthen and diversify the state’s economy.
The $140 million investment will be split evenly between the federal and WA governments. The funds will be used to build infrastructure to support hydrogen production and export, as well as fund research activities. Construction of roads and intersections will begin in 2024, with the hub expected to be operational by mid-2028. The project is projected to create 1,000 direct and indirect jobs and provide renewable energy training for local communities, including the Indigenous population.
However, concerns have been raised by the Friends of Australian Rock Art, a rock art protection group. They have called on the government to disclose the exact location of the facility, fearing that it could pose risks to ancient Murujuga rock art in the region and undermine the potential for the Burrup Peninsula to become a World Heritage-listed site. The government needs to address these concerns and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to protect cultural heritage while promoting clean energy development.
This project in Washington State is part of a larger trend in Australia, with over 100 hydrogen projects announced across the country in 2022, double the number from the previous year. The government aims to turn Australia into a global leader in green hydrogen, with the hydrogen industry projected to contribute $50 billion to the economy and create more than 16,000 jobs in regional areas by 2050. The construction of the hydrogen hub in the Pilbara region is an important step towards achieving this goal.
Interestingly, this announcement comes shortly after the Northern Territory government awarded major project status to a hydrogen hub in Darwin. Developed by a joint venture between French energy giant TotalEnergies and EREN, this hub has a production capacity of 80,000 tonnes of hydrogen per year. It is expected to help the Northern Territory reduce its carbon emissions while supporting job creation during its construction and operation phases.
The construction of hydrogen hubs in both Washington State and the Northern Territory demonstrates Australia’s commitment to clean energy development and its potential to become a global leader in the hydrogen industry. These projects will not only contribute to reducing carbon emissions but also create employment opportunities and support regional economies. As the world transitions towards a more sustainable future, Australia is positioning itself at the forefront of the clean energy revolution.
