A HYDROGEN export project proposed for the Tiwi Islands needs an environmental impact statement (EIS) to proceed.
The Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority advised energy company Provaris its Tiwi H2 project will need to progress in line with the EIS approval process.
Provaris said EIS requirements and statutory timelines will determine development activities for Tiwi H2 including engineering design work, agreements and solar and water monitoring.
Garry Triglavcanin, Provaris’ executive director and chief development officer, said the EPA’s decision means the project can continue on a timeline amended for the EIS process.
He said first exports are still on track for 2027.
“Provaris is confident that the project will be developed using highest global standards to minimise the potential impacts identified by the EPA; that we view that key areas of focus on the environment can be properly addressed as part of the EIS process.
“The project will continue to be developed to demonstrate Tiwi H2 and compressed H2 as a safe, sustainable and efficient supply chain for exporting green hydrogen in a way that minimises environmental and social impacts.”
Provaris managing director and CEO Martin Carolan said the company is confident the EIS process will demonstrate the low environmental impact of the project.
He said the deep-water port infrastructure, existing plantation land cleared of native vegetation and the advantages of compressed hydrogen would eliminate the need for energy-intensive facilities.
“The Tiwi H2 project will bring significant benefits to the local community, including skilled employment opportunities, support in power and drinking water [and] upgrading road infrastructure,” Mr Carolan said.
Provaris plans to advance the Tiwi H2 concept design through design, engineering and approval phases while the EIS timetable is being finalised.
The scope of the EIS will be subject to the terms of reference, scheduled to be issued in December this year.
The company is aiming to maintain the project’s first mover status for export of green hydrogen from Australia.
Provaris said it is advancing a partner process to seek interested groups in the areas of investment, offtake, construction and operational support to jointly develop the project.
