Outback Australia is making a push towards green hydrogen production with the announcement of a billion-dollar clean energy project that has received backing from the federal government.
The East Kimberley Clean Energy Project, estimated at around $3 billion, is set to become Australia’s largest green hydrogen producer, aiming to contribute to 80 percent of the world’s net-zero goal.
The project involves the construction of a massive 900-megawatt solar farm at Lake Argyle near Kununurra, utilizing the Kimberley region’s abundant sunlight and fresh water resources to generate electricity, which will then be converted into green hydrogen. The hydrogen will be transported to the port of Wyndham, where it will be processed into ammonia for exportation overseas.
With the support of a $1.6 million cash injection from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) for a feasibility study, the project is poised to become a key player in the global energy transition towards sustainable solutions. The International Energy Agency has set ambitious targets for green hydrogen production by 2050, highlighting the urgent need for large-scale projects like the East Kimberley Clean Energy Project.
One of the standout features of this project is the collaborative effort between traditional owners of the land, the Balanggarra and Miriuwung Gajerrong people, and climate change investment company Pollination. This unique partnership not only enhances the project’s environmental and social sustainability but also sets a precedent for future clean energy developments on Indigenous lands.
