‘Townsville has potential to lead Australia’s hydrogen economy’

Major hydrogen players are surprised Townsville has not featured in the Federal Government’s investment plans.

MAJOR players developing world-leading hydrogen projects in Townsville are surprised the city has not featured in the Federal Government’s $1.2bn hydrogen investment plans.

But they also note any funding is not restricted to seven locations identified by the government.

“Ark Energy is surprised to see that Townsville hasn’t made the cut on the list of priority locations for the Federal Government’s Clean Hydrogen Industrial Hub Round 1 Grants, however, notes that applications are not restricted to the initial list of seven locations,” CEO Daniel Kim said. “We believe that Townsville has the potential to lead the development of Australia’s hydrogen economy and we know that other major proponents and key local players share our view.”

Ark Energy Corporation is helping world class non-ferrous metals smelting company Korea Zinc to decarbonise and is proposing major developments in Townsville. Mr Kim said the feedback and support they had received from all three levels of government for its proposed SunHQ hydrogen production hub in Townsville had been very positive to date.

“Ark Energy is on track to commission SunHQ by the end of 2022 and is committed to ensuring North Queensland realises its full potential to be a major global hub for green hydrogen production for use in both domestic and export markets,” Mr Kim said.

Other players like Australia’s largest solar farm developer Edify Energy — which has just received approval to develop up to a 1 gigawatt capacity green hydrogen production plant at Lansdown — are also surprised but noted guidelines for funding stated that they did not preclude areas like Townsville.

Edify Energy CEO John Cole said existing rail and road infrastructure made Townsville’s Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct an excellent location.

“We have long held the view that Townsville is a very good place to create a green hydrogen export industry and meet the growing need, domestically and across the world, for this emission free fuel,” Mr Cole said.

“The linking of clean electricity generation with the proposed advanced eco-industrial activity at Lansdown, together with the hundreds of millions of dollars in investment and opportunities for future-proofed careers is what delights us. “

An Origin spokeswoman previously has told the Bulletin they would welcome any public investment to help develop the industry, while its head of future fuels and growth Tracey Boyes told the The Australian newspaper last week the industry needed early stage support.

Origin has described Townsville green hydrogen project as “the most advanced in Australia”.

“We were attracted to Townsville due to its deepwater port, industrial-zoned land, availability of skilled workers and abundant nearby renewable energy and sustainable water resources,” an Origin spokeswoman said earlier this year.

Originally published as ‘Townsville has potential to lead Australia’s hydrogen economy’