Global Energy Ventures has secured essential regulatory clearances to begin planning for the construction of a massive green hydrogen production and export facility on aboriginal territory off the coast of Darwin in the Northern Territory.
GEV intends to build a 2.8 GW solar photovoltaic array, a 30km transmission line, and a green hydrogen and manufacturing facility on Melville Island, the larger of the two Tiwi Islands.
GEV has continued to obtain cooperation from Munupi landowners and the Tiwi Plantation Corporation, with several approvals recently granted to allow the company to complete its submission to the EPA.
Consultants will be permitted to conduct environmental and engineering assessments on-site as part of pre-feasibility studies for projects.
Permissions were also obtained to expand the project’s land base, which now includes 2,580 hectares for solar generating, 120 hectares for transmission, and 72 hectares for the manufacturing and export facilities.
The Tiwi H2 project’s production and export infrastructure will be capable of producing up to 100,000 tonnes of green hydrogen per year.
GEV intends to start with around 0.5 GW of installed solar generation, 15,000 tonnes of hydrogen production per year, and a fleet of 430 tonne compressed hydrogen carriers.
Once completely operational, greater capacity carriers with a carrying capacity of 2,000 tonnes may be introduced.
The electrolyser’s water requirements will be met through desalination of sea water derived from the Apsley Strait.
The facilities will have a transformative effect on the Tiwi Islands communities, which, despite their disadvantage, are well-known for their thriving modern art scene and as a source of champion Australian Football League footballers.
