Townsville Region Hydrogen Hub gets $70 million green light
The Albanese Government is set to invest up to $70 million in the development of the Townsville Region Hydrogen Hub in North Queensland, in accordance with its election commitment to establish a hydrogen hub in the region.
This project, led by Edify Energy and supported by partners including Siemens Energy, Queensland TAFE, James Cook University, and Townsville Enterprise Limited, aims to contribute significantly to Australia's standing as a renewable energy powerhouse.
With a total investment exceeding $137 million, the Townsville Region Hydrogen Hub is poised to play a crucial role in Australia's transition to renewable energy. The Commonwealth's contribution of up to $70 million includes a substantial funding injection of $20.7 million from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), with additional funding secured from industry stakeholders and the German Government.
The project is expected to generate a substantial number of jobs, with at least 200 direct job opportunities for local electricians, plumbers, fitters, and concreters during the construction phase. Ongoing employment opportunities in technical and engineering roles will further contribute to the economic development of the region.
Hydrogen production at the hub will commence with an initial stage targeting 800 tonnes of green hydrogen annually, sufficient to fuel more than 40 heavy vehicles each year. The production is slated to scale up to approximately 3,000 tonnes for domestic consumption, eventually exceeding an impressive 150,000 tonnes for export. This production capacity positions Australia as a significant player in the renewable hydrogen market.
The technological aspect of the hub includes a 17.6 MW domestic production facility integrated with renewable energy generation and battery storage. The timeline for the project outlines construction beginning next year and completion anticipated in 2026. Initial commercial operations are slated to commence in 2027, marking a crucial milestone for the Townsville Region Hydrogen Hub.
This initiative is part of a broader Australian-German collaboration, leveraging Germany's expertise in hydrogen technology and Australia's potential to emerge as a leader in the production and export of renewable hydrogen. The collaboration emphasizes the significance of partnerships in advancing technology and driving sustainable energy solutions on an international scale.
The government has allocated over $500 million in Commonwealth funding for hydrogen hubs across regional centers such as Gladstone, Bell Bay, Kwinana, the Pilbara, Port Bonython, and the Hunter.
