Green opportunities lie in exploiting existing assets

Ports are investigating upgrades to support Australia’s clean energy future through green hydrogen and renewable generation.

Pilbara Ports Authority’s Port Hedland, above. The authority is developing a multi-user facility and logistics hub at Lumsden Point Port Hedland that will allow for the import of wind turbines and blades.

Ports are investigating upgrades to support Australia’s clean energy future through green hydrogen and renewable generation.

Authorities cite the ports’ critical infrastructure as well placed to facilitate global trade in battery metals and the import of renewable energy plant for the nation.

In Western Australia, the Pilbara Ports Authority is developing a multi-user facility and logistics hub at Lumsden Point that will allow for the import of wind turbines and blades, and export of lithium and copper concentrates

Pilbara Ports Authority chief executive Roger Johnston says the upgrades are critical to meeting forecast trade growth, diversifying trade and creating new export pathways.

“The ultimate development will facilitate the export of battery metals and the import of renewable energy infrastructure and support the growth of direct shipping services to the Pilbara,” he says.

North Queensland Bulk Ports is working with ITOCHU Corporation, Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure Ltd and Brookfield Asset Management Inc on the feasibility of producing and storing green hydrogen at its Dalrymple Bay terminal on the central Queensland coast.

NQBP chief executive Nicolas Fertin says such developments could bring international investment. “It’s all early days, but the demand for what hydrogen would be, and the expectation of the import of wind farms is absolutely huge.”

He says the port is investing to accelerate other plans linked to the renewable energy transition. For ports that have significant land holdings, it is a potential “bonanza”.

“Very rarely in the life of a port have we seen so many parties interested in knowing what the port is going to do and knowing the supply chain,’’ Fertin says. “The scale of what the international businesses are talking to us about is very, very exciting. Australia has a huge potential.”

The Port of Gladstone expects to be exporting green ammonia within a decade, and is building a renewables hub precinct to facilitate hydrogen development, including the $1bn green-hydrogen project of Fortescue Future Industries.