Whyalla’s Hydrogen Significance Cemented
The major announcements continue to flow for Whyalla, with the latest seeing nearly $100 million in Federal Government commitments to hydrogen projects at Port Bonython and Whyalla.
The funding will see up to $70 million for the South Australian Government’s Port Bonython Hydrogen Hub Activation (with a total project value of $146.5 million); and up to $20 million for Hallett Construction Materials to build an integrated green cement business, with facilities across Whyalla, Port Augusta and Port Adelaide.
The Federal funding is a budget allocation, meaning the investment is guaranteed regardless of the election result.
“This announcement cements Whyalla as a hydrogen capital of state and national significance,” City of Whyalla Mayor Clare McLaughlin said.
“We now have confirmed State and Federal Government funding – as well as significant private sector investment – representing a major new industry that will provide thousands of new jobs for our region.”
Mayor McLaughlin said these projects were critical for the long-term prosperity of the city.
“These hydrogen projects will be game-changing for Whyalla, providing long-awaited diversification for our economy; increasing our population; giving us a far more stable, secure future; while putting us on the map as a global leader in low-emissions industry,” she said.
“I’d like to commend both the Federal and State governments, as well as the incumbent Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey, for their vision to transform our region into a mega-hydrogen hub of which the entire nation can be proud.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the upper Eyre Peninsula was now “primed to seize more opportunities from Australia’s clean hydrogen industry”.
“Whyalla, Port Augusta, Port Pirie and surrounding towns are set to reap the benefit from this significant investment, with the projects estimated to create over 5,900 direct jobs, with many more indirect across the region,” Prime Minister Morrison said.
Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said Port Bonython was a “perfect location for a hydrogen hub in South Australia”.
“Hydrogen hubs such as this one will consolidate Australia’s resource strengths to unlock clean energy and stimulate a potential surge in industrial activity, with benefits to flow on to the region’s local communities,” Minister Taylor said.
Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said the brace of announcements were terrific news for Whyalla and the Upper Spencer Gulf after the uncertain times of the last few years.
“The Upper Spencer Gulf has outstanding potential to become a first-class, clean energy producer, and the established programs the Government has in place have been instrumental in drawing the private investment necessary to establish these projects,” he said.
This initial investment is expected to support the key common-user infrastructure needed to activate early-mover hydrogen projects in the region, including port works, ammonia storage facilities and local transmission infrastructure.
On ABC Radio this morning, State Minister for Energy and Mining Tom Koutsantonis welcomed the funding while commending council for its role in securing the projects.
“What it means is Whyalla now is going to become the centre of Australia’s – if not the world’s – green hydrogen production,” Mr Koutsantonis said.
“Your local council up there has done an exceptional job – led by your Mayor – to make sure that the entire country knows about Whyalla and its investment imperatives for green hydrogen.”
Mayor McLaughlin said the council was looking forward to working with the Federal and State governments, as well as private investors, to unlock the huge potential of these projects and realise the opportunities for the local community and economy.
“It’s no longer a case of if, but when these major hydrogen projects will commence,” she said.
“Council is now hopeful that both Federal and State governments continue with their bipartisan approach to hydrogen production, research, development, training and education being co-located in Whyalla.”