The Western Australian Government has lodged applications for matching Commonwealth funding for a planned $117.5 million investment in two new renewable hydrogen hubs, including the development of a hydrogen pipeline.
The planned renewable hydrogen hubs in the Pilbara and Mid West aim to drive Western Australia as a global clean energy powerhouse.
This week the state lodged applications through the Commonwealth Government’s Clean Hydrogen Industrial Hubs program for matching Commonwealth funding to develop the hubs.
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 are expected to help fast-track renewable hydrogen production and exports from Western Australia.
The Pilbara Hydrogen Hub plan involves development of a hydrogen or ammonia pipeline connecting the Maitland and Burrup strategic industrial areas, 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.
Combined, the hubs are expected to create around 2,000 skilled and semi-skilled jobs across the state.
