FFI’s first global green energy manufacturing center receives planning permission

After receiving planning approval from the Queensland Government, FFI’s first GEM Center in Gladstone, Queensland, has garnered great endorsement.

Hundreds of jobs will be created across regional Queensland as a result of the project, which will see the creation of a world-class electrolyser, renewable industry, and equipment manufacturing in Gladstone.

FFI Chairman, Dr Andrew Forrest AO, said, “Gladstone is going to be at the centre of Queensland’s green energy revolution with the first electrolysers scheduled to enter production in 2023.

“This project will not only be a gamechanger for green manufacturing in regional Queensland, it will also provide a major boost for the local economy and indelibly put Queensland as an epicentre of the coming green industry revolution,” Dr Forrest said.

FFI Chief Executive Officer Julie Shuttleworth AM said, “This manufacturing facility in Gladstone will be a major hub in Queensland’s growing hydrogen industry and we are pleased to be working with the State Government on pioneering green hydrogen manufacturing in Gladstone.

“The project will boost the Australian economy and create local jobs for Queenslanders as we transition away from fossil fuels.

“Receiving planning approval from the State Government brings this project even closer to fruition, as we work towards commencing construction on the first stage in February 2022,” Ms Shuttleworth said.

GEM is the first of a succession of projects that will continue to reshape regional Australia through the establishment of green sector manufacturing and energy production hubs.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles, said, “GEM’s electrolyser facility is a boost to Queensland’s growing credentials as a world leader in green hydrogen.

“It will be the first facility in Australia able to make the multi-gigawatt-scale electrolysers used worldwide in hydrogen production.

“With initial capacity to manufacture up to two gigawatts (GW) of electrolysers annually, it will be the largest electrolyser factory in the world when it comes online in 2023.

“The facility will be constructed within a four-hectare site with an electrolyser assembly building to cover approximately 12,900 square metres,” Mr Miles said.

The initial investment in electrolysers is projected to be up to US$83 million (A$114 million), with the first units scheduled to be produced in early 2023.