WOODSIDE plans to build a hydrogen and ammonia production facility at Kwinana, with the support of the Western Australian government.
The proposed project, named H2Perth, would be built on about 130 hectares of vacant industrial land, to be leased from the state, in the Kwinana Strategic Industrial Area and Rockingham industry Zone.
Woodside said the project is a phased development that would be one of the largest facilities of its kind in the world, producing up to 1500 tonnes per day of hydrogen for export in the form of ammonia and liquid hydrogen.
The company said H2Perth would also produce hydrogen-based energy and stimulate and enable more renewable power generation in WA.
Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill said H2Perth would be a landmark project, both for Woodside and for Western Australia.
“Woodside has a proud track record as an Australian oil and gas producer and our LNG exports will continue helping Asia to reliably meet its energy needs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions for decades to come. Now, we intend to use our skills and financial strength to add new energy products and lower-carbon technologies and services to our portfolio, which can be scaled to meet customer demand,” she said.
“The land being leased from the state government in the Kwinana and Rockingham areas is ideally located close to existing gas, power, water and port infrastructure, as well as a skilled local residential workforce.
Ms O’Neill said these advantages would make a significant difference to cost of supply.
“Building in this location is not just about hydrogen,” she said.
“H2Perth will also facilitate substantial growth of renewables in Western Australia by providing to the grid a flexible and stabilising load that benefits uptake of intermittent renewable electricity by households and local industry. We will also be supporting local manufacturing jobs and opportunities.
“H2Perth is designed to be net-zero emissions for both Woodside and its customers, supporting Woodside’s corporate emissions reduction targets and the Paris Agreement goals of customers in the region.
Woodside will now begin community engagement on the H2Perth project along with detailed progress with customers. Subject to necessary commercial and regulatory approvals, and a final investment decision, construction is estimated to start in 2024.
Initially, H2Perth will target 300 tonnes per day of hydrogen production, or 20% of expected total capacity, which can be converted into 600,000 tonnes per annum of ammonia or 110,000 tonnes per annum of liquid hydrogen.
