South Australia is set to become a global leader in green hydrogen production with a groundbreaking project in Whyalla. The state government has selected a consortium comprising ATCO Australia and BOC, a British industrial gas and engineering group, as preferred partners to build a massive 250 MW hydrogen production facility, a 200 MW hydrogen power plant, and a hydrogen storage facility in the Upper Spencer Gulf.
This visionary project aims to drive the adoption of clean energy, harnessing South Australia’s abundant renewable resources, copper, and magnetite reserves. The initiative will also play a crucial role in decarbonizing the state and boosting economic opportunities. By producing green hydrogen, this venture can stabilize the state’s electricity grid and create a world-leading hydrogen export hub.
The consortium, ATCO Australia and BOC, is committed to an early contractor involvement (ECI) agreement, which will involve detailed project and engineering design, procurement of critical equipment, finalizing contracts, and cost estimations. They have been selected from a pool of 29 global proposals, primarily because of their end-to-end expertise in electrolysers, generators, on-site storage, and operational experience.
John Ivulich, CEO of ATCO Australia, shared that the Whyalla plant, featuring 100% hydrogen-operated fast-startup turbines, will be the world’s largest of its kind. It’s not just a significant technological advancement but a transformational project for the entire community.
The Whyalla project serves as the cornerstone of the Port Bonython Hydrogen Hub, a hub that is poised to become a major green hydrogen export center. Recently, both the state and federal governments committed $100 million to develop common-user infrastructure at Port Bonython, further cementing South Australia’s role in the global green hydrogen market.
South Australia’s abundant copper and magnetite, world-class wind and solar resources, and high renewable energy penetration make it the ideal location for a project of this scale. The venture not only holds the potential to revolutionize the state’s energy landscape but also make a significant impact on the world’s transition to clean energy.
