The Western Australian Government is looking to kick-start the development of a job-creating renewable hydrogen industry in the state with a $1.68 million investment through its Renewable Hydrogen Fund.
Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the funding will support feasibility studies across seven proposed renewable hydrogen projects as part of the Government’s plan to position the State as a major producer, user and exporter of renewable hydrogen.
“Western Australia needs to explore how we can produce, use and provide energy to our international partners through clean and reliable sources – renewable energy via hydrogen provides a means to do this,” the Minister said.
“This feasibility studies will facilitate significant private sector investment and leverage financial support for a job-creating renewable hydrogen industry in WA.”
The studies include examining creating solar hydrogen for waste collection and light vehicle fleets in Cockburn, a hydrogen refuelling hub in Mandurah and the potential for an electrolysis hydrogen production plant in the Great Southern or Wheatbelt.
Other proposals include a standalone power system for an indigenous community in the Pilbara; a hydrogen production facility near Kununurra; examining the compatibility of the Dampier to Bunbury natural gas transmission pipeline with blended hydrogen and looking at the integration of renewable hydrogen with isolated power stations.
Mr MacTiernan said the seven studies align with the State Government’s Renewable Hydrogen Strategy’s four Strategic Focus Areas of export, remote applications, blending in natural gas networks and transport.
“We received 19 feasibility study applications of which seven have been selected: confirming there is strong interest in developing a renewable hydrogen industry in WA,” he concluded.
