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The government of the Australian state of Queensland has withdrawn its support for the Central Queensland Hydrogen Project (CQ-H2), which is led by state-owned energy company Stanwell Corporation and targets the installation of nearly 2.9 GW of electrolysers.The move provoked criticism from local environmental group Queensland Conservation Council, which also flagged the government’s “intention to repeal Queensland’s renewable energy targets. Stanwell separately said that the consortium behind the project is considering the state’s announcement and added that the company alone is also reviewing its involvement in other hydrogen initiatives and will work with relevant stakeholders regarding future steps for these projects. CQ-H2 is planned to be developed at Aldoga, near Gladstone. It will generate hydrogen through electrolysis using renewable power such as wind and/or solar. Companies are looking at producing green iron in Gladstone using renewable hydrogen. Those plans can’t feasibly proceed without a local supply of hydrogen. The State Government’s continued attacks on renewable energy and clean industry are jeopardising regional jobs and derailing new industries setting up shop in Central Queensland, Queensland Conservation Council campaigner and energy expert Stephanie Gray said in a statement. The project envisages the development of a hydrogen gas pipeline to transport hydrogen to the Gladstone Port, the development of a hydrogen liquefaction facility and ship loading facilities at the Gladstone Port, and the supply of hydrogen to an ammonia production facility at the port. The first phase of the project targets a commercial operation date in 2029 when it will be capable of producing 200 tonnes per day with up to 720 MW of electrolysis capacity. The ultimate plan is to deploy about 2,880 MW of electrolysers for an average daily production of 800 tonnes, the projects website says. Apart from Stanwell, the CQ-H2 consortium comprises Japanese companies Iwatani Corporation and Marubeni Corporation, as well as Singapore’s Keppel Ltd. The project is currently in the front-end engineering design (FEED) stage. This AUD-117-million (USD 72.8m/EUR 70.0m) investment is funded in part through a commitment of AUD 20 million from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). CQ-H2 is expected to deliver around AUD 14.5 billion in exports and AUD 9 billion in foreign direct investment, according to estimates stated on the project’s website. (AUD 1 = USD 0.622/EUR 0.599) |
