New Mid West and Gascoyne green hydrogen projects given State Government support

The State Government has thrown its support behind major green hydrogen projects in the Mid West and Gascoyne.

Hydrogen Industry Minister Alannah MacTiernan on Saturday opened Province Resources’ new Carnarvon office, out of which the company will run its HyEnergy green hydrogen project.

Ms MacTiernan announced HyEnergy had been awarded lead agency status, meaning the project will have access to a higher level of State Government support.

“Lead agency status recognises the very real significance of Province’s HyEnergy project as we position WA as a global renewable hydrogen force,” she said.

“We look forward to continuing to work with Province on this opportunity for the Gascoyne region and for our State.

“Access to lead agency services will help ensure these projects are delivered on time, on budget and on target.”

Province Resources managing director and CEO David Frances said the project would eventually deliver a “major economic contribution” to the Gascoyne.

It’s expected the project will produce eight gigawatts of renewable wind and solar power to generate about 550,000 tonnes of hydrogen a year, while creating up to 4000 jobs during a three-year construction period and 1500 jobs during the project’s 50-plus year lifespan.

Lead agency services status has also been granted to the Murchison Hydrogen Renewables project, which will use wind turbines and solar panels to produce 5.2 gigawatts of electricity. That will power the production of hydrogen that will be converted into 2 million tonnes of green ammonia each year.

Located about 150km north of Geraldton, the project is estimated to create between 1000 to 1250 jobs during construction, and 250 to 300 jobs during operation.

Carnarvon Chamber of Commerce president Paul Dixon said the region was well-placed to become a major player in the booming green hydrogen industry.

“There is currently unprecedented interest in green hydrogen around the world and the recognition of the role it can play in helping the globe meet the target of net zero emissions by 2050,” he said.

Geraldton and Carnarvon were earlier this month identified by the Federal Government as sites for two of three new “hydrogen clusters” to aid in the development of a hydrogen supply chain.