The $1 billion Gladstone Energy and Ammonia project, which is estimated will create 1000 jobs, is one step closer with the release of the terms of reference for the project’s environmental impact statement (EIS).
Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said Australian Future Energy’s (AFE) project, located in the Gladstone State Development Area (SDA), will create 800 jobs during the two-year construction period and 200 direct jobs for its 30-year operational period.
“This project is an Australian first – converting 1.5 million tonnes of coal to produce up to 230,000 tonnes of ammonia and twelve petajoules of synthetic natural gas per annum,” Butcher said.
“The terms of reference will ensure potential impacts on the natural, social and economic environment are appropriately considered.
“Once the draft EIS is completed to the satisfaction of Queensland’s independent Coordinator-General, the community will then be invited to comment and have their say on the project.”
Waste gas and heat created through the process will be used to produce electrical power required for plant operation, with surplus power exported to the grid when available.
Related stories:
- Old gold mine to transform into hydro electric facility
- Snowy Hydro 2.0 approved, progresses to early works
- SA Water awards $304M solar panel installation contract
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said locating the project within the Gladstone SDA supports the region’s growing manufacturing sector.
“This is a strong endorsement of the Gladstone SDA and will generate ongoing benefits for regional suppliers and contractors that will grow local jobs,” Dick said.
“It’s great to see the project progressing and moving closer to becoming a reality.”
Construction will begin in mid-2020, with the first ammonia production proposed in mid-2022