WORK is now underway on road upgrades that will enable the Pilbara Hydrogen Hub at Port Hedland in Western Australia to bring in wind turbine and renewable energy components to make the project a reality.
The road upgrades at the Lumsden Point Access Road and Pinga Street intersection will also allow for the export of battery metals such as lithium and copper concentrates while at the same time improving traffic flow and reducing congestion while facilitating the safe movement of oversize vehicles out of Lumsden Point.
In a media release issued by Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, it said two new single-span, 15-metre-long structures, with four lanes over a round underpass will connect Pinga Street to the new Lumsden Point Access Road.
New ramps will allow access on and off the Great Northern Highway, with new turning pockets to be built at the Lumsden Point Access Road.
In February, the Australian and WA Governments finalised a $140 million agreement to build a hydrogen hub in the Pilbara to help build infrastructure to support hydrogen exports as well as fund activities for a Clean Energy Training and Research Institute.
Lumsden Point provides an alternative import facility to Fremantle, which according to the media release will reduce transport emissions.
New shipping berths and a substantial lay-down area for imported equipment have already been completed on the new Lumsden Point Port development.
The Australian Government has also committed $565 million in grant funding to support common user port upgrades at Port Hedland and Dampier.
WA Premier, Roger Cook, said the Pilbara was a globally recognised resources hub and demand for renewable energy would only become stronger in the future.
“By building our hydrogen production capability, we are investing in the future of the Pilbara,” Premier Cook said.
“The work being done now will ensure that the region that powers the nation’s economy can be powered by renewable energy.”
