Northam, a town in Western Australia, is poised to host one of the first end-to-end green hydrogen production systems in the region.
The MEG HP1 Hydrogen project, a collaborative effort between Infinite Green Energy, Korean Samsung C&T, and Doral Energy Group, with the support of $5 million from the WA Government’s Investment Attraction Fund, aims to supply the domestic transport market with clean hydrogen.
The project will involve the installation of two five-megawatt electrolysers, hydrogen storage compression technology, and general construction to establish a comprehensive hydrogen production ecosystem. The funding provided by the Investment Attraction Fund will enable Infinite Green Energy to build Western Australia’s first renewable green hydrogen production system.
Hydrogen Industry Minister Bill Johnston emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating, “This is an important step to help kickstart the development of an end-user market for locally produced green hydrogen.” The project is expected to create over 100 jobs during its construction, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance phases, contributing to the decarbonization of the state’s economy.
The production of green hydrogen from this project aims to provide a cost-competitive and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional transportation fuels like diesel. With an estimated daily production capacity of four tonnes of hydrogen, the project will cater to back-to-base and heavy transport operations, including the use of hydrogen in garbage collection trucks.
The project is scheduled to commence hydrogen production in late 2024 and will leverage an existing 11-megawatt solar farm. The Investment Attraction Fund, launched in March 2022 by the WA Government, serves as a catalyst to attract new investments to the state and stimulate local job creation.
The establishment of the MEG HP1 Hydrogen project in Northam marks a significant milestone in Western Australia’s journey towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. By fostering the development of a local green hydrogen market, the project aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.
