Potential impacts of hydrogen project under federal consideration

PROVARIS Energy has lodged an environmental protection and biodiversity conservation (EPBC) referral for its proposed Tiwi H2 hydrogen project.

The energy company submitted its EPBC referral to the federal government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

The proposed Tiwi H2 project involves the development of a 100,000 tonnes-per-annum green hydrogen production and export facility in the Northern Territory’s Tiwi Islands.

Provaris said its EPBC referral addressed any potential impacts to threatened flora and fauna and migratory and marine species, which are considered maters of national environmental significance.

Following the submission, Provaris expects a decision to be announced within 20 business days on whether the action will require assessment and approval.

Within this timeframe, the company anticipates a 10-day public comment period and that the Commonwealth government will liaise with the Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority to ensure decision-making processes are aligned.

Garry Triglavcanin, Provaris’ executive director and chief development officer, said the company is looking forward to receiving the decision, on track for late November.

“The EPBC referral has been prepared to demonstrate that the Tiwi H2 Project will be developed in a safe, sustainable and efficient manner, pursuing a minimal environmental and social impact,” he said.

Tiwi H2 made a referral submission to the Northern Territory EPA on 30 June this year.

The public comment period for EPA Referral closed on 30 August, so Provaris expects a decision from the EPA this month on the level of environmental assessment required for the project.

“Provaris continues to advance the Tiwi H2 from concept design through to the phases of detailed design, engineering and approvals to ensure the project maintains its position as an early mover in the export of green hydrogen from Australia,” Provaris managing director and CEO Martin Carolan said.

“We are now actively seeking partners for joint development of the project given the simplicity of compressed H2 offers a shortened development timeframe and lower project capital cost to export hydrogen into the emerging Asia-Pacific markets.”

A key element of the overall project is the planned use of Provaris’ fleet of H2Neo carriers for distributing hydrogen into Asia-Pacific energy markets.

Engineering and final class approvals for the vessels are reportedly on track for 2023.