Provaris’ Tiwi H2 green hydrogen plan earns top-tier Major Project Status

A $4.5bn project destined to transform the Northern Territory’s resources industry – and economy – has taken a major step forward.

A $4.5 billion green hydrogen export plan on the Tiwi Islands has been given Major Project Status.

Provaris’ Tiwi H2, which could become Australia’s first export hydrogen project, was awarded the recognition by the NT Government this week.

Major Project Status recognises the positive significance a plan will have on the economy.

Tiwi H2 is an integrated compressed green hydrogen production and export development, set to produce up to 100,000 tonnes of green hydrogen per year for export to the Asia Pacific region.

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The hydrogen will be exported by Provaris’ GH2 Carriers to the Asia Pacific region, with potential markets in Singapore, South Korea and Japan.

The project is estimated to create 500 jobs during construction and 100 once operational, with a lifespan of 30 years.

Provaris managing director Martin Carolan said the Major Project Status award was one of several significant milestones hit this year.

“We look forward to a continuation of the support provided by the Territory in delivering what can be Australia’s first export hydrogen project, delivered using our compressed hydrogen solution,” he said.

The project proposes to use existing and new infrastructure on the Tiwi Islands.

It comprises of several precincts, which Provaris outlined in the project’s NT Environmental Protection Authority Referral submission on June 30, 2022.

It features a solar farm precinct to be developed on poor performing plantation land, alongside a battery energy storage system and a step-up substation.

A 30km, 275kV HV transmission line will deliver electricity from the solar precinct to Port Melville.

A production precinct will be developed near Pirlangimpi, beside the export precinct.

Outline of the proposed Tiwi H2 Project. Picture: Provaris

The Territory’s exploration of hydrogen has grown in recent years. In June 2022, the NT government announced it would invest $5m over a four-year period to fund strategies to encourage a transition into renewable energy.

One of the most ambitious plans is the $15 billion Desert Bloom hydrogen project in Central Australia.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said the Tiwi H2 project would help establish the Northern Territory as a leader in renewable energy.

“Tiwi H2 is an exciting renewables project – it will not only further diversify our economy, but also strongly position the Northern Territory as a key location for renewable hydrogen production,” she said.

“With one of the best solar resources in the world – and the development of projects like Tiwi H2 – the Territory will play a leading role in the emerging renewable hydrogen market.”