In a significant stride towards establishing Australia as a renewable energy powerhouse, the Albanese and Malinauskas Governments have inked a grant agreement to develop the Port Bonython Hydrogen Hub near Whyalla. This groundbreaking initiative not only promises to create regional employment opportunities but also positions Port Bonython as South Australia’s inaugural large-scale export terminal for hydrogen.
A substantial joint investment of $100 million from both governments, complemented by private sector funding, is earmarked for the development of crucial infrastructure at Port Bonython. This endeavor is projected to pave the way for projects valued at a staggering $13 billion, with an estimated production capacity of up to 1.8 million tonnes of hydrogen by 2030.
Australia’s Hydrogen Horizon
Endowed with vast expanses of available land and abundant solar and wind resources, South Australia is poised to ascend to the forefront of low-cost hydrogen suppliers worldwide. The South Australian Government’s forward-thinking Hydrogen Jobs Plan is set to lead the way, encompassing the establishment of a hydrogen electrolyser, power station, and storage facility in the Spencer Gulf region.
The Australian Government, through the Net Zero Economy Agency and a comprehensive review of the National Hydrogen Strategy, is committed to identifying the critical components needed to facilitate robust hydrogen supply chains. Their vision is clear: to foster a clean, innovative, secure, and competitive hydrogen industry that reaps benefits for all Australians.
A Strategic Investment for a Greener Tomorrow
With an eye on the future, the Australian Government is injecting over half a billion dollars into regional Hydrogen Hubs across key locations including Pilbara, Kwinana, Gladstone, Townsville, the Hunter, Bell Bay, and Upper Spencer Gulf. The recent allocation of $2 billion in the Commonwealth Budget for the Hydrogen Headstart program underscores the nation’s determination to emerge as a global frontrunner in green hydrogen.
Prime Minister Albanese affirms, “We’re working with the Malinauskas Government to develop the Port Bonython Hydrogen Hub, which will support regional jobs and take us a step closer to becoming a renewable energy superpower.”
By 2050, this visionary move is projected to inject a staggering $50 billion into Australia’s GDP, generating over 16,000 jobs in regional areas. An additional 13,000 jobs are anticipated from the construction of renewable energy infrastructure to power hydrogen production.
Premier Peter Malinauskas underscores the transformative potential, stating, “Our state is blessed with the key ingredients the world needs to decarbonise international economies – abundant coincident wind and solar resources, critical minerals, strong renewable energy penetration, and well developed industrial hubs.”
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen emphasizes the pivotal role of green hydrogen in the clean energy transformation, asserting, “Green hydrogen will play a crucial role in our clean energy transformation and will create jobs and spur investment in regional Australia.”
As the world gears up for a decarbonized future, Minister for Energy and Mining Tom Koutsantonis highlights the strategic importance of renewable hydrogen, especially in the iron industry. He remarks, “Renewable hydrogen can be used as a reduction gas to decarbonise South Australia’s iron industry – helping fortify our industrial capacity for a zero-carbon future.”
This landmark investment sets Australia on a trajectory towards a sustainable, green energy future, with Port Bonython poised to lead the charge as a beacon of innovation and progress in the global hydrogen landscape
Source: Commonwealth of Australia
