Lion Energy Limited has recently secured development approval from the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA), a crucial step forward for its hydrogen generation and refuelling hub project situated at the Port of Brisbane.
The decision, outlined in SARA’s Decision Notice 2308-36431 SDA on March 15th, 2024, grants Lion the green light to proceed with its plans, subject to specified conditions, the company said in an ASX announcement.
Alongside the development approval, Lion has also been granted an Environmental Authority Permit (P-EA-100510872) allowing the production of more than 200 tons of hydrogen annually.
This achievement marks a substantial advancement for the project, setting the stage for its progression into the construction phase.
Lion said it regards this milestone as evidence of the careful planning and execution by its project team, highlighting the uncommon speed of approval in the green hydrogen industry.
“The approval represents the first of its kind for an integrated green hydrogen generation and distribution facility in Brisbane, and, arguably, the first of its kind in a major capital city in Australia,” said Lion’s Executive Chairman Tom Soulsby.
The Hydrogen Hub, earmarked for heavy mobility fleets, will initially focus on supplying hydrogen to domestic public bus fleets, truck fleets, and fuel cell gensets within the construction and mining sectors.
Set to be one of Queensland’s pioneering facilities of its kind, Lion’s Port of Brisbane project marks the inception of a broader network of hydrogen refuelling depots across eastern Australia, aligning with Lion’s overarching hydrogen strategy.
The strategic location at Port of Brisbane offers proximity to key markets, particularly Brisbane’s numerous bus depots, and heavy vehicle traffic serving the port.
Soulsby also emphasised the strategic significance of the project’s location and its potential to meet increasing demand, highlighting the ability to quickly double production to respond to market needs.
The facility, designed for efficient green hydrogen generation and distribution, will leverage readily available renewable electricity sources, including potential solar energy investments at the Port.
Equipped with essential infrastructure such as electrolysers, compressors, and dispensing packages, Lion said it aims to commence construction in the second quarter of 2024, with facility commissioning expected by the second half of 2024.
