The Northern Territory Government has officially granted Major Project Status to TE H2’s initiative, the Darwin H2 Hub, aiming to generate over 80,000 tonnes of renewable-based hydrogen annually.
Anticipated to generate around 800 jobs during the construction phase and provide employment for approximately 175 individuals once operational, the hydrogen produced will cater to both domestic and international markets, the government said in a media release.
The primary objective of the Darwin H2 Hub is to support the decarbonisation efforts of Australian and global companies.
By promoting the use of green hydrogen, the facility aims to facilitate industries in transitioning towards a net-zero economy.
TE H2, a venture established by Total Eren (now TE H2), positions itself as an early mover in the realm of giga-scale renewable energy generation.
The project is not only a testament to the Territory Government’s commitment to renewable energy but also marks the initiation of a hydrogen production industry in the Northern Territory.
The collaboration between the Territory Government and TE H2, which began in 2022, has played a pivotal role in bringing the Darwin H2 Hub to fruition.
The formal recognition of Major Project Status underscores the project’s significance in contributing to economic growth, decarbonisation, employment, and the development of renewable energy supply chains in the Northern Territory.
Chief Minister Eva Lawler emphasised that the top priority of the government is the creation of jobs both now and in the future.
She stated that the TE H2 project aligns with this priority, anticipating the creation of approximately 800 jobs during the construction phase and an additional 175 ongoing local jobs.
“With our abundant solar resources and our strategic location to support exports into the Indo-Pacific, the production of green hydrogen is a key opportunity for the Territory to address the growing demand for this green energy globally,” Lawler noted.
Meanwhile, Kam Ho, managing director of TE H2 Australia, expressed that the proposed Darwin H2 Hub stands as TE H2’s cornerstone project, aiming to become the Northern Territory’s inaugural solar-powered green hydrogen production and export initiative.
“ ‘Major Project Status’ marks a significant milestone in the project development. The current objective is to pursue studies in order to consider Final Investment Decision (FID) by 2027,” Ho remarked.
TE H2, a joint venture between TotalEnergies and EREN, plans to advance the project by focusing on the design of the downstream facility, transmission infrastructure, and upstream generation facility.
As one of the five proponents awarded ‘not to deal’ commitments by the NT Government for land at Middle Arm, TE H2’s commitment aligns with the Territory’s broader vision for sustainable and innovative energy solutions.
Major Project Status serves as a formal acknowledgment of the Darwin H2 Hub’s critical role in advancing economic, environmental, and employment objectives in the Northern Territory.
