Climate Impact Corporation (CIC) intends to develop two 10GW green hydrogen projects in central Australia.
CIC’s approach leverages self-contained modules developed in partnership with GE Vernova. These modules produce zero-carbon hydrogen and operate entirely off-grid, eliminating the need for extensive supporting infrastructure typically funded by governments and communities. Each module is equipped with solar panels, atmospheric water generators, electrolysers, and supporting infrastructure, making it a standalone unit capable of producing hydrogen in remote, solar-rich locations.
CIC has achieved several key milestones in its Australian projects. The partnership with GE Vernova aims to maximize the efficiency of the hydrogen production modules. Additionally, CIC has signed agreements with strategic partners such as JA Solar, Sungrow Hydrogen, and Shuangliang Hydrogen. The inauguration of its first project-related Australian office in Darwin was attended by dignitaries including Hon Mark Monaghan and MP Luke Gosling, highlighting the importance of these developments.
The company has also secured offtake buyers for Australian-produced renewable hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives, supporting the development of large-scale renewable hydrogen projects in the country. CIC’s 10GW projects would be the largest renewable hydrogen projects developed in Australia to date.
Government Collaboration
CIC has been exploring the potential for a 10GW renewable hydrogen project in South Australia for over two years. Recent meetings with key members of the South Australian government, including Deputy Premier Hon Susan Close MP and Minister for Trade Hon Joe Szakacs MP, focused on seeking governmental support for the project. Discussions included the potential for local manufacturing of electrolysers and other critical elements of the modules in Adelaide.
With the first test modules expected to produce hydrogen in the Northern Territory or South Australia later this year, CIC calls for proactive governmental support. “We need Australian governments to lean in if we want Australia to lead in this technology instead of it being used in other countries first,” Green emphasized. Government support in permitting, streamlining approvals processes, and ensuring suitable sites are available would significantly accelerate this investment.
