Planning officials in Western Australia have rejected Infinite Green Energy’s (IGE) plans to establish a hydrogen hub near Perth.
The rejection, citing concerns about the project’s environmental credentials and its reliance on grid energy, highlights the challenges associated with balancing industrial development with sustainability goals.
IGE’s proposed hydrogen hub, centered around its MEG HP1 demonstration plant in Northam, aimed to produce 4.4 tonnes of hydrogen per day using electrolysers. Despite securing funding and positioning itself as a solar and green hydrogen project, the plan faced criticism for its reliance on grid energy, with officials arguing that it fell short of qualifying as environmentally friendly.
Planning officials raised questions about the project’s ability to withstand electrical grid breakdowns, a concern amplified by recent incidents in Northam. The lack of battery storage to mitigate grid instability added to apprehensions regarding the project’s feasibility and resilience.
To meet green standards, officials stressed the importance of linking the hydrogen division to nearby renewable energy sources, particularly the Northam solar farm. While IGE intended to incorporate solar projects on the same site, concerns persisted about the project’s alignment with sustainable energy practices.
IGE’s vision extended beyond the hydrogen hub, encompassing plans to expand the neighboring Northam solar farm and develop infrastructure for truck loading terminals. The joint venture involving Samsung C&T and Doral Energy Group aimed to position the project as a significant player in Australia’s green energy landscape.
