Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) has announced that its first Global Green Energy (GEM) Manufacturing Centre in Gladstone, Queensland, has been granted planning approval from the Queensland Government.
The project, which is set to create hundreds of jobs across regional Queensland, will see the construction of a world leading electrolyser, renewable industry and equipment factory at Gladstone.
FFI’s Chairman Andrew Forrest said the initial electrolyser investment is expected to be up to A$114 million, with the first electrolysers scheduled for production in early 2023.
“This project will not only be a gamechanger for green manufacturing in regional Queensland, it will also provide a major boost for the local economy and indelibly put Queensland as an epicentre of the coming green industry revolution,” Dr Forrest added.
FFI Chief Executive Officer Julie Shuttleworth said the company was pleased to be working with the State Government on “pioneering green hydrogen manufacturing in Gladstone”.
“The project will boost the Australian economy and create local jobs for Queenslanders as we transition away from fossil fuels,” Ms Shuttleworth continued.
“Receiving planning approval from the State Government brings this project even closer to fruition, as we work towards commencing construction on the first stage in February 2022.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles, said GEM’s electrolyser facility would boost to Queensland’s growing credentials as a world leader in green hydrogen.
“It will be the first facility in Australia able to make the multi-gigawatt-scale electrolysers used worldwide in hydrogen production,” the Minister noted.
“With initial capacity to manufacture up to two gigawatts (GW) of electrolysers annually, it will be the largest electrolyser factory in the world when it comes online in 2023.
“The facility will be constructed within a four-hectare site with an electrolyser assembly building to cover approximately 12,900 square metres.”
