Land has been secured for a three-gigawatt renewable hydrogen facility in Aldoga, west of Gladstone in Central Queensland.
Publicly-owned generator Stanwell is partnering with the Japanese Iwatani Corporation to develop the export-scale facility, creating more than 5000 jobs for regional Queenslanders.
Deputy Premier and State Development Minister Steven Miles said the project could generate $4.2 billion in hydrogen exports and $10 billion for the Queensland economy.
“The Stanwell-Iwatani project will be a key driver in Central Queensland’s hydrogen supply chain and the significant manufacturing and investment potential it will unlock,” he said.
“Stanwell has now signed an option agreement with Economic Development Queensland locking in land for the facility, which is an exciting step towards the proposed project becoming a reality.
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“The 236-hectare site at Aldoga was identified as the preferred location due to its size and proximity to port, power and pipeline infrastructure.”
Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Minister Mick de Brenni said once built, the project would be the largest hydrogen production facility in Queensland.
“The development of a large-scale, renewable hydrogen supply chain in Central Queensland will support the growth of renewables, create jobs and provide access to global export opportunities,” he said.
“We know countries like Japan are looking to the Sunshine State to meet their emissions targets, and in the next decade, Queensland must be ready to capitalise.
“That’s exactly what the Stanwell-Iwatani project will do, scaling up to over 3,000 megawatts of electrolysis capacity by the early 2030s, with millions of tonnes of renewable hydrogen to be exported around the world.
“Locally, it will also benefit construction, utilities, heavy manufacturing and a range of local service industries.”
Regional Development and Manufacturing Minister Gladstone Glenn Butcher said the site is close to the Queensland Government’s proposed Central Queensland Renewable Energy Zone, which will provide access to renewable energy sources required to power the plant.
“For the people of Central Queensland, this announcement means jobs now in exploration, jobs during construction, jobs during export operations and jobs right through the manufacturing supply chain,” Butcher said.
“We’ll continue to invest in local skills and training opportunities, so our community is ready to take on these jobs of the future, while the hydrogen supply chain is being established.
“That investment includes $2 million to upgrade training facilities at Gladstone State High School to prepare students for hydrogen jobs.”