Woodside takes lead role in big green hydrogen project in New Zealand

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX:WDS) has won the competition to become a lead development partner in the Southern Green Hydrogen project in New Zealand, the Australian oil and gas producer said today.

Woodside has been chosen as New Zealand-based Meridian Energy’s (NZE:MEL) preferred partner over Fortescue Future Industries (FFI). The two contestants for the lead role were the finalists in a request for proposals (RFP) that sought to identify early-stage business plans and cases for a 600-MW facility in Southland capable of producing 500,000 tonnes of ammonia annually.

The Southern Green Hydrogen scheme was originated by Meridian and its compatriot Contact Energy Ltd (NZE:CEN). The latter has withdrawn as a development partner but could participate as a potential supplier of green electricity. The project is pending a final investment decision.

Meanwhile, Japan’s Mitsui & Co Ltd (TYO:8031) is in talks to join the project and develop the potential market for ammonia off-take. After commercial arrangements have been finalised, it will work with Meridian and Woodside to start the front-end engineering design.

According to the statement, the partners will assess options for supplying hydrogen and ammonia to the local market and for potential exports to Asia and Europe.

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