Chinchilla hydrogen plant: New renewable energy project ahead

Millions of dollars worth of investment and jobs will be splashed in the Western Downs as the State Government announces a booming new renewable project for the region.

An exclusive renewable hydrogen plant has been announced to open near Chinchilla as the State Government pushes for Queensland to become a renewables superpower.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced on Tuesday the new state-owned demonstration facility would open in less than two years, and would produce 50,000kg of renewable energy year.

“We’re investing in renewable energy to create long-term, sustainable jobs for Queenslanders,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“By acquiring more, public assets, we can ensure that these jobs stay in Queensland.

“Queensland will be a renewable hydrogen superpower.”

The plant will be built beside the Kogan Creek Power Station and will include the co-location of a solar farm, battery, hydrogen electrolyser and hydrogen fuel cell.

Minister Mick de Brenni said CS Energy had been met with strong interest from potential domestic off-takers following a successful feasibility study with Japanese industrial giant IHI Corporation Japan.

“The Kogan Creek project is an opportunity for publicly owned CS Energy to stake its territory in the hydrogen sector and expand Queenslanders’ ownership of renewable energy assets,” Mr de Brenni said.

The hydrogen produced will use “behind the meter” renewable energy rather than power from the grid according to Mr de Brenni, which will show traditional sectors how to innovate and expand their market offering.

Construction is expected to commence in 2022 and commissioning in early 2023.

The announcement comes after the State Government this week partnered with Fortescue Future Industries to develop a $114 million factory to produce hydrogen electrolysers west of Gladstone.