An expanded feasibility study with additional partners is underway with AGL Energy (AGL) to explore the development of a green hydrogen and ammonia production facility at AGL’s Hunter Energy Hub.
Independent technical consultancy, GHD Advisory is carrying out the feasibility study for AGL as the hub provider and Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) as the exclusive producer of green hydrogen at the site.
The feasibility study, which is mapping key operational and commercial plans for the project as well as developing a production timeline, is also leveraging the input of additional key industry and consortium partners across multiple sectors.
These industry partners have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) related to the project and include APA Group, a Australian energy infrastructure business; INPEX Corporation, a global energy exploration and production company; Jemena, an owner and operator of a diverse portfolio of energy infrastructure assets across Australia; and Osaka Gas Australia, a wholly owned subsidiary of Osaka Gas Co Ltd global natural gas and power company.
AGL Chief Operating Officer, Markus Brokhof said the feasibility study, due for completion by the end of the year, was another big step forward in AGL’s vision for an industrial low carbon energy hub at the site of Liddell and Bayswater power stations.
“As we create our Hunter Energy Hub, our aim is to develop strong partnerships that enable an efficient ecosystem and create a circular economy,” Markus said.
“By working hand in hand with Fortescue Future Industries, we will be supporting Australia’s emerging green hydrogen industry and bringing our expertise in large-scale renewable generation to the fold.
“Our Hunter Energy Hub will be the first of its kind in Australia and will be an example of how an energy hub can combine grid-scale batteries, solar thermal storage, wind, and pumped hydro. It will be an industry-leading model for our other large generation sites and others across the country.
“The future is about bringing the best in low-carbon technologies together to shape a cleaner energy future to ensure customers have sustainable, secure and affordable electricity.”
Since announcing the MOU, AGL and FFI have been developing and finalising the scope of the feasibility study, with AGL signing additional partners to the MOU.
Following the feasibility study, AGL expects this project, along with the others in the Hunter Energy Hub, to drive the development of around 1,000 permanent jobs across energy production, advanced manufacturing, recycling and the production of chemicals.
FFI Director for East Australia and NZ, Felicity Underhill said the scale of green hydrogen production potential in the Hunter region is world leading.
“We’re keen to accelerate the delivery of this potential,” Felicity said.
Over the past 20 years, AGL has invested $4.8 billion in renewable and firming generation and has added more than 2,350 MW of new generation capacity to the grid since 2003.
As Australia’s largest energy generator, owner of the largest portfolio of renewable generation and storage assets of any ASX listed company, and a leading retailer of energy solutions, AGL Energy and its people have a critical role to play in Australia’s transition and decarbonisation.
IMAGE | Matt Kean, Graeme Hunt, Markus Brokhof and, Andrew Forrest (L-R).
