Western Australia opens EoIs for 1.5-GW renewables hydrogen hub

The Western Australian government is gauging interest for the development of an over 1.5-GW renewable energy hub for the production and export of green hydrogen.

A global call for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) was launched by the government on Friday to gather proposals for the Oakajee Strategic Industrial Area (SIA) north of the coastal city of Geraldton. The specific area, covering some 4,070 acres, would be capable of accommodating 1,250 MW of solar and up to 270 MW of wind power capacity.

According to the government, renewable electricity there will be produced at “internationally competitive prices.”

The EOIs round is targeting foreign and national developers willing to get involved in the commercial production of green hydrogen. Hydrogen producers and consumers, such as ammonia-manufacturing companies and hydrogen industry component manufacturers, are also invited to submit proposals.

Submissions are due by December 24, 2020.

“[..] Oakajee SIA is recognised for its world-class wind and solar energy potential, which is ideal for the production of renewable hydrogen for commercial uses including advanced manufacturing, energy storage and transport, and for future export of clean energy,” the government said. It noted that the zone is connection to the state’s major road network and port infrastructure, and there are provisions in place for the area to be linked to the Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline.

Western Australia has committed to invest AUD 22 million (USD 16.1m/EUR 13.6m) in developing a local hydrogen supply chain.

(AUD 1.0 = USD 0.732/EUR 0.617)

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