National and international expressions of interest to develop land at Port Bonython in the Upper Spencer Gulf, one of South Australia’s most prospective hydrogen export hubs.
The significant renewable energy resources of the region may also support a range of other industrial, mining and related projects and development.
The state-owned site has outstanding access to multiple renewable energy zones and boasts over 2,000 hectares of available land as well as access to an existing deepwater port with a 2.4 km long jetty – which has been approved for a $37 million State Government-funded upgrade.
Expressions of Interest (EOIs) will be rated on their ability to develop projects that have the potential to create economic growth and regional development on the Eyre Peninsula, as well as in South Australia more broadly, and contribute to Port Bonython as a multi-user, export-focused precinct to leverage the state’s advantages in renewable energy, fuels and minerals.
Port Bonython was identified as an export hub for both green and blue hydrogen during the development of South Australia’s Hydrogen Export Modelling Tool. The tool was released in October last year and is being used by companies around the world to model the cost of producing and exporting hydrogen from SA.
The nearby town of Whyalla boasts a highly skilled workforce, the Whyalla steelworks, a multi-commodity port, strong national electricity grid connection as well as modern rail and road infrastructure.
Through the National Hydrogen Strategy, which indicates a national hydrogen industry could generate about $11 billion a year in GDP by 2050, Australia has deepened established networks of international trade relationships and partnerships for clean energy.
With the development of South Australia’s Hydrogen Action Plan and regulatory frameworks, and support for demonstration projects, international relationships and informational resources for investors the state is a leader in hydrogen industry development, with a commitment to establishing international hydrogen supply chains.
The Government will be looking for projects which complement and strategically align with existing and future land uses in the Port Bonython precinct.
The site is home to Santos' processing plant, which receives natural gas liquids and crude oil piped 659 km from the Moomba plant for export, and a diesel fuel import and storage terminal.
Port Bonython has a rich and unique environment which includes aquaculture and a marine sanctuary to protect Giant Australian Cuttlefish, and future projects will be required to comply with environmental legislation.
The marketing of the site is being led by global commercial real estate firm JLL. Expressions of Interest will be open for a period of six weeks and include requirements for developments to commence within five years.
EOI responses received will help inform the South Australian Government's next steps, which may include further site planning to accommodate a range of project types.
Expressions of Interest documentation is available via the SA Tenders and Contracts website.
South Australia's Hydrogen Action Plan and Hydrogen Export Modelling Tool are available from www.hydrogen.sa.gov.au
Tuesday 18 May 2021
