A GREEN hydrogen export project in the Northern Territory’s Tiwi Islands is progressing under the announcement of several new engineering and environmental permissions.
A project of Global Energy Ventures, Tiwi H2 intends to deliver a fully integrated green hydrogen production and export supply chain, expected to produce up to 100,000 tonnes of green hydrogen each year for export into the Asia-Pacific region.
The project has reportedly received strong support from the Munupi Landowners, who are the traditional custodians of the land where the project is being developed; and from the Tiwi Plantation Corporation Board.
With this support, permission has been granted for an increase in land area for studies around solar transmission, hydrogen production, and port facilities to take place on Tiwi land.
Garry Triglavcanin, GEV executive director and chief development officer, said all permissions requested were granted at a recent meeting with the Munupi Landowners.
“Permissions include an increase in available land to be made available for the project, consultants to be on-country for required environmental surveys, and further engineering surveys and studies to follow in the June quarter of 2022,” he said.
GEV is now advancing a referral submission to provide the NT Environment Protection Authority with information so a decision can be made on the level of assessment required for the project.
The company is on track to lodge its referral submission in the June quarter of 2022 and expects the NT EPA decision to follow in the September quarter of 2022.
“This is an important step forward, as the environmental process is likely to drive the project schedule for a target investment decision in the latter part of 2023,” Mr Triglavcanin said.
Munupi Landowners also granted permission for solar monitoring to proceed in the September quarter of 2022, based on agreed sites for clearing and installation.
Further meetings and permissions will be arranged at various stages of the project when further activities on Munupi land are required.
“GEV is also advancing the design of the [project’s] solar site and transmission line with the appointment of consultants with significant design, construction, and operational experience in locations across northern Australia,” Mr Triglavcanin said.
To advance the design of the solar farm and transmission line, GEV has engaged specialist consulting group CE Partners in the solar developments to provide expert input on the project’s delivery.
As the project progresses, GEV will prepare for and commence solar monitoring, request the proposal and appointment of lead consultants, and continue its preliminary marketing activities of green hydrogen from the export project.
GEV said several strategies are underway to identify bankable parties for potential offtake and investment in the markets of Singapore, Japan, Korea, and Indonesia.
The company’s selection for participation in Austrade’s stand at the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam this year falls under this marketing strategy.
