$140 Million investment finalised for Pilbara Hydrogen Hub
With a substantial investment totaling $140 million, evenly split between the federal and state governments, the Pilbara Hydrogen Hub is poised to become a pivotal hub for hydrogen production and exportation, potentially positioning Australia as a global leader in green steel and iron manufacturing.
Plans by the Federal Government and the Western Australian Government for the construction of a state-of-the-art hydrogen hub in the Pilbara region have been solidified.
Scheduled to kick off this year, construction efforts will focus initially on road and intersection infrastructure, with full operational capability expected by mid-2028. The hub's anticipated production capacity of approximately 492,000 tonnes per year holds promise for significant decarbonization efforts, particularly in the ammonia production sector on the Burrup Peninsula.
The project isn't just about infrastructure and economic growth; it's also about community empowerment and collaboration. Recognizing the traditional lands of the Ngarluma and Kariyarra people, including Murujuga, the project entails close consultation and partnership with the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation to ensure that economic benefits extend to First Nations communities.
The Federal Government projects that by 2050, Australia’s hydrogen industry will generate $50 billion in additional GDP and create over 16,000 jobs in regional Australia, including in WA. The industry is also expected to create an additional 13,000 jobs from the construction of renewable energy infrastructure.
The establishment of a Clean Energy Training and Research Institute further strengthens a commitment to fostering a skilled workforce equipped to thrive in the burgeoning hydrogen industry. This initiative aims to provide practical, job-focused training opportunities for Pilbara residents, including First Nations peoples, ensuring that economic growth is inclusive and sustainable.
The Australian Government’s $70 million investment is part of its Regional Hydrogen Hubs program, which is investing over half a billion dollars to build hubs at key locations like Kwinana, Gladstone, Townsville, Bell Bay, Port Bonython, and the Hunter.
