The level of global investment interest in the Port Bonython Hydrogen Hub has the capacity to transform South Australia into a renewable energy exporter of world standing in the next decade.
On 18 May 2021, the State Government launched the Expression of Interest (EOI) to develop land at Port Bonython to create a multi-user export focused precinct to leverage the state’s advantages in renewable energy, fuels and minerals.
The response from industry to the Port Bonython EOI shows that we can turn our 500% renewable energy by 2050 vision into a reality.
There are seven shortlisted projects from both Australian and international companies, potentially creating hundreds of local jobs, in all parts of the hydrogen supply chain. The shortlisted projects could produce over one and a half million tonnes of hydrogen per annum, which would make South Australia one of the most significant producers of hydrogen in the world.
The level of investment proposed would make the Spencer Gulf a world class renewable energy industrial precinct and deliver regional jobs growth for decades to come in the towns of Whyalla, Port Augusta, Port Pirie – and beyond.
The State Government is now negotiating with shortlisted parties, aiming to finalised arrangements with partners to be announced in coming months.
A key competitive advantage for South Australia is the quality of wind and solar resources, which are superior to other parts of Australia.
The South Australian Government’s Climate Change Action Plan for producing 500% of current grid demand in renewable energy by 2050 will be delivered by exporting power interstate through the new interconnector to NSW and internationally through clean exports like hydrogen through the proposed Port Bonython Hydrogen Hub.
South Australia's Hydrogen Action Plan, released in 2019, underpins our work with domestic and international partners to develop credible private sector projects to export our clean power to the world.
The state-owned Port Bonython 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 comprising a 2.4 km long jetty – which has been approved for a $37 million State Government-funded upgrade.
The site is already home to Santos’ processing plant, which receives natural gas liquids and crude oil piped 659km from the Moomba plant for export, and a diesel fuel import and storage terminal.
Sunday 31 October 2021
