Amp Energy, one of the largest hydrogen developers in Australia, has partnered with Iron Road Ltd. to develop green hydrogen at scale on the Cape Hardy Port Precinct in South Australia. The agreement will leverage Amp’s expertise in developing electrolyzer capacity and Iron Road’s Central Eyre Iron Project (CEIP), which has the country’s largest magnetite ore reserve.
Green hydrogen is produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen through the process of electrolysis, which requires renewable energy sources like wind or solar power. The joint venture between Amp and Iron Road aims to use the proximity of large-scale renewable energy generation and transmission to produce green hydrogen at competitive global prices.
The Cape Hardy Port Precinct has a strategic location and support from the South Australian government. The site has direct access to high-voltage power through existing transmission infrastructure, and the deep waters of the port will make hydrogen transport easier. The Australian Government has invested AUD25 million ($16.6 million) in port infrastructure development.
The CEIP project will leverage the green hydrogen produced at the Cape Hardy site for high-quality steelmaking feedstock. The joint venture aims to achieve a competitive operating cost structure for the CEIP project while also enabling South Australia to meet its green hydrogen goals.
Amp Energy is currently working on a project to develop 20GW of electrolyzer capacity across three precincts, following a model where it owns and optimizes feedstock generation, transmission, processing, and export assets to progress the project.
Subject to final agreements with the Australian government and a financial investment decision, the Cape Hardy project could start construction by the end of the year and commence operations in 2025.
The joint venture between Amp Energy and Iron Road represents a significant step toward meeting South Australia’s green hydrogen goals and demonstrates the potential of green hydrogen as a key driver for sustainable economic growth.
