Worley has been chosen to lead the front-end engineering design (FEED) work for the Central Queensland Hydrogen (CQ-H2) project.
This groundbreaking endeavor, initiated by Stanwell Corporation and a consortium of energy giants including Iwatani Corporation, Kansai Electric Power Company, Marubeni, and Keppel Infrastructure, represents Australia’s largest investment in a renewable hydrogen project to date and ranks among the world’s top 10 hydrogen projects in the pre-FID (Final Investment Decision) stage.
The CQ-H2 project has set its sights on installing an impressive 640MW of electrolysers and producing a substantial 200 tonnes per day (t/d) of gaseous renewable hydrogen. This eco-friendly hydrogen will find its way to off-takers who will utilize it for the conversion into renewable ammonia or liquified hydrogen. The project’s ambitions extend far beyond Australian shores, with plans to deliver renewable hydrogen to Japan and Singapore while simultaneously serving large domestic customers in Central Queensland.
Gillian Cagney, President for Australia & New Zealand at Worley, expresses pride in supporting this monumental project, emphasizing Worley’s 25-year-long commitment to the Gladstone region, where the project is based.
Backing this visionary scheme is a formidable alliance of consortium members, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), and the Queensland Government’s Queensland Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund.
The impacts of CQ-H2 are nothing short of transformative. At its peak, the project is anticipated to create over 8,900 new jobs, contribute a staggering $17.2 billion in hydrogen exports, and bolster Queensland’s gross state product by $12.4 billion over its 30-year lifespan.
Worley’s involvement in this project is substantial, having previously acted as a technical adviser during the initial feasibility study. The company is now poised to provide the FEED study for the hydrogen-production facility (HPF) and hydrogen-transfer facility (HTF), alongside the pre-FEED study for the hydrogen liquefaction facility (HLF).
The timeline for CQ-H2 envisions commercial operations commencing in 2028. If the project proves successful, it will progress into subsequent phases, ultimately reaching full-scale operation. By 2031, approximately 2,240MW of electrolysers will produce a remarkable 800t/d of gaseous renewable hydrogen.
The CQ-H2 project stands as a testament to Australia’s commitment to pioneering sustainable energy solutions on a global scale. As Worley spearheads this ambitious endeavor, it signifies a promising step towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for the energy landscape.
