World’s biggest 50GW green energy hub proposed for south coast of Western Australia, hydrogen included.
[ABC Net] An international consortium plans to build the world’s biggest renewable energy hub along the south coast of Western Australia.The Western Green Energy Hub (WGEH) would stretch across 15,000 square kilometres and could produce up to 50 gigawatts of energy.
If it was created, the hub would produce 3.5 million tons of zero carbon green hydrogen, or 20 million tons of green ammonia each year, for both domestic consumption and export.
The group behind the proposal, including Intercontinental Energy and CWP Global, said the green hydrogen market was expected to be worth US$2.5 trillion by 2050.
The project would also be in conjunction with Mirning Green Energy Limited.
The group said the area was well-suited for wind and solar energy, and the project would deliver significant socio-economic benefits to the local community.
Jobs for future generations
Shire of Esperance President Ian Mickel said he had not been notified of the proposal prior to Tuesday morning’s announcement.
Mr Mickel said.
Would mean more people in Esperance, more employment opportunities going forward.
“We have to get a greater understanding of what’s involved in this and what part we would have to play.”
He said Esperance was home to the nation’s first wind farm, which was built 25 years ago.
The consortium said in a statement the proposal would be innovative, not only in the scale of green energy produced, but also in the model of partnership with the Mirning people, who are the traditional owners of the land.
Mirning Traditional Lands Aboriginal Corporation chairman and inaugural WGEH board member Trevor Naley said the project would provide for future generations.
Mr Naley said.
This partnership through robust governance and a seat at the table for Mirning People will provide opportunities never before available to Indigenous corporations.
“This representation alongside sustainable financial and substantial social benefits will provide security for future generations.”
Western Australia’s Hydrogen Industry Minister Alannah McTiernan said the “massive proposal” would be a step towards delivering on the targets of the WA Renewable Hydrogen Strategy.
Ms McTiernan said.
Our state is perfectly positioned to lead the global renewable hydrogen industry, delivering a strong economic future for WA and becoming a major contributor to global decarbonisation.
Key points:
- A proposal to build the world’s largest renewable energy hub would boost to Australia’s energy production
- Shire of Esperance President Ian Mickel says the project would create jobs for the local community
- The hub would be established with a partnership with local traditional owners
World’s biggest green energy hub proposed for south coast of Western Australia, July 13, 2021
