$140m injection to build Pilbara Hydrogen Hub
The Federal and WA Governments have agreed on building a $140m hydrogen hub in the Pilbara, WA, supporting almost 1000 direct and indirect jobs.
Construction on the Pilbara Hydrogen Hub will begin this year with a target timeframe of mid-2028 to become operational.
It will be major centre for hydrogen production and export, with the potential to become an international gateway to Australian-made green steel and iron.
A planned pipeline could enable hydrogen production of around 492,000tpa, enough to decarbonise existing ammonia production on the Burrup Peninsula.
WA Premier Roger Cook says the hub is a key part of the WA Government’s plan to turn the State into a global clean energy powerhouse.
“When it comes to producing and exporting world-leading products at a global scale, WA leads the way,” he said.
“This project will be WA-produced hydrogen on Asia’s doorstep, helping to strengthen and diversify our economy for the future.”
Federal Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen says the hub would ensure the Pilbara’s future as a major energy producer and exporter.
“This hub will bring a new clean energy industry to the Pilbara, supporting the region’s world-class industries well into the future,” he said.
“WA is already a global mining and export powerhouse, and it’s now primed to become a world-leading hydrogen supplier as well.”
Pilbara MP Kevin Michel says the hydrogen hub will create hundreds of long-term local jobs for the region.
“Developing a hydrogen industry in the Pilbara means more jobs and a strong future for our local communities,” he said.
The combined $140m investment ($70m each from the Federal and WA Government) will help build infrastructure to support hydrogen exports and renewable energy production, as well as fund activities for a Clean Energy Training and Research Institute.
The institute will provide practical, job-focused training in renewable energy and hydrogen for Pilbara residents, including First Nations peoples.
The project will take place in the Pilbara, on the traditional lands of the Ngarluma and Kariyarra people.
This also includes Murujuga, where the Traditional Custodians are represented by the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation.
By 2050, Australia’s hydrogen industry is projected to generate $50b in additional GDP and create over 16,000 jobs in regional Australia.
The industry is also expected to create an additional 13,000 jobs from the construction of renewable energy infrastructure.
The Federal Government’s $70m investment is part of its Regional Hydrogen Hubs program, which is investing over half a billion dollars to build hubs at key locations like Kwinana, Gladstone, Townsville, Bell Bay, Port Bonython, and the Hunter.
