The Western Australian government has allocated $5.5 million in funding to accelerate the development of the Mid West Hydrogen Hub.
Unveiled by Hydrogen Industry Minister Alannah MacTiernan at the Mid West Major Projects conference in Geraldton, the funding will support planning works and studies that would streamline the project’s development.
The initiatives will be undertaken over the next 12 to 18 months by the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science, and Innovation.
The investment will be distributed to several programs, including a $3 million feasibility study by Western Power and Energy Policy WA, which will focus on the electrical connection of the Oakajee Strategic Industrial Area (SIA) to the South West Interconnected System.
The Oakajee SIA, located approximately 435 km north of Perth, is a key component of the Mid West Hydrogen Hub.
The facility is an ideal site for the production of renewable hydrogen for domestic and commercial use, advanced manufacturing, and export, and is recognised for its cutting-edge wind and solar energy potential, according to the WA government’s statement.
The latest funding builds on the McGowan government’s $7.5 million commitment for an access road into the Oakajee SIA to commence the activation of the project.
“The Mid West Hydrogen Hub is key to unlocking the full potential of the Oakajee SIA,” said MacTiernan.
“The Mid-West has attracted international interest for its renewable hydrogen potential, and we are providing support needed to make these job-creating projects a reality,” the minister added,
Additionally, approximately $1.2 million will go towards DevelopmentWA to undertake land planning works, while $600,000 will be invested in cultural heritage works.
Meanwhile, $500,000 has been designated for a joint study with the Port of Rotterdam and Mid West Ports Authority, which will examine the export of hydrogen products from the region.
“The Mid West Hydrogen Hub represents a significant opportunity to transform the region’s economy and embrace a cleaner future,” said Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton.
“Thank you to Minister MacTiernan for believing in the potential of the Mid West Hydrogen Hub to become a world-class exporter of renewable hydrogen; it is pleasing to see this transformative project take another step forward today,” Dalton said.
