Western Downs jobs boom as CS Energy, government, TSBE, push for hydrogen future

The energy-rich Western Downs is set to become a part of a new multibillion-dollar energy industry as the State Government focuses on creating jobs and upskilling the region’s workforce for the hydrogen industry. Details:

The Western Downs is set to expand its already vast energy capabilities as the Queensland Government plans to create a multibillion-dollar hydrogen production and export industry predicted to see job prospects soar.

Energy Minister Mick de Brenni announced the government would support a localised hydrogen workforce through the help of a new partnership between government-owned CS Energy and Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise.

A six-month joint project plans to map and uncover the capability and potential of local businesses to support a hydrogen supply chain and create an online supplier portal.

“This online tool will provide valuable information on local capability and identify opportunities for local businesses in the supply chain allowing them to upskill, as well as attract new organisations to the region,” Mr de Brenni said.

“One of our state’s biggest assets is a highly skilled, motivated, and employment-ready workforce.

“We are home to internationally-recognised universities and skills training institutes, and our lifestyle is instrumental in retaining highly skilled workers.

“This competitive advantage helped Queensland to develop the local capability and supply chains that underpin our global liquefied natural gas export industry, and we can do it again with hydrogen.

“Developing local capability is how we will position Queensland in a multibillion-dollar industry, and the Palaszczuk government is focused on developing it in regional areas around ports and industrial clusters.”

CS Energy in partnership with IHI Corporation Japan, already have a hydrogen footprint at Brigalow on the Western Downs.

The State Government said the six-month mapping project would ‘complement’ the feasibility study of the pair’s renewable hydrogen demonstration plant, next to the Kogan Creek Power Station.

Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise CEO Ali Davenport said the online portal project would set a high benchmark for other projects and industries.

“This mapping project will collect data to help us get a big picture view of local capability and provide information that will open the door for further discussions around training and upskilling for the future,” Ms Davenport said.

CS Energy CEO Andrew Bills said CS Energy will be providing funding and support towards the TSBE-driven project.

“Upon completion, the comprehensive mapping process will provide CS Energy with extensive information on regional businesses and their capability,” Mr Bills said.

“As we prepare to progress our hydrogen demonstration project proposal to the next stage, this local business ‘intel’ will be invaluable.”

The advancement of the hydrogen industry across the nation is forecast to create thousands of jobs and increase Australia’s GDP by up to $26b.