In order to complete the $600 million project by 2025, the South Australian government has selected potential locations for its hydrogen power plant.

In order to acquire site alternatives in the mid-north town for the power plant as well as for hydrogen production and storage facilities, the government collaborated with the Barngarla traditional owners and the Whyalla City Council.

The locations are adjacent to important transportation hubs, economic development that is already underway, and key infrastructure.

The selected locations for the hydrogen production facility and hydrogen power station are a 238-hectare plot of land in the Whyalla industrial park and 8.7 hectares in the Cultana industrial estate.

For the project’s infrastructure and power generation, a third site next to the Cultana industrial park is available.

The locations allow for future growth and are far from populated regions, which always worry about noise.

Infrastructure Minister Tom Koutsantonis stated, “As the world moves to decarbonize, South Australia is making a once-in-a-generation investment in green hydrogen.

“The hydrogen power plant will play a major role in establishing South Australia as a significant global player in the production of green hydrogen and give the state an early advantage in luring associated supply chain jobs, ongoing maintenance jobs, and possibly manufacturing jobs,” according to the press release.

Additionally, on Friday, the government published a worldwide request for bids from business partners to assist in constructing a 200-megawatt hydrogen power plant, a 250-megawatt hydrogen manufacturing facility, and infrastructure that is suitable for storing hydrogen by December 2025.

The call’s main objectives are to gauge interest in acquiring the hydrogen produced at the facility as well as supply, construction, and operation of the hydrogen plant and equipment.

The government will receive proposals up until March 14th, 2023, and it anticipates awarding contracts in July.