Whyalla Mayor Phill Stone, CEO Office of Hydrogen Power SA Sam Crafter and Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation Chair Jason Bilney overlook the land designated for the hydrogen power plant
Hydrogen power plant progresses to next milestone
The state government’s Hydrogen Jobs Plan has achieved another milestone today, launching an international call for hydrogen industry partners to help deliver its green hydrogen power plant, hydrogen production and storage facilities at Whyalla by December 2025.
The call for proposals focuses on the supply, construction and operation of the hydrogen plant and equipment – including electrolysers, power generation and storage infrastructure.
With the world looking to decarbonise, Premier Peter Malinauskas said South Australia was making a “once-in-a-generation investment in green hydrogen” to accelerate a new economy.
“This will accelerate a new economy that places the Upper Spencer Gulf region at the epicentre of this revolution,” Premier Malinauskas said.
“A region on the cusp of the next wave of economic prosperity – a wave that will impact generations to come. A net zero emissions industrial and manufacturing powerhouse with global recognition.
“This is our moment. Local power. Local jobs. Global exports. Global leadership. We will seize this opportunity to transform not just the energy sector, but the economic future of South Australia.”
The green hydrogen power facility will be the first of its kind in Australia and will be a centre piece for green hydrogen production for the rest of the world. It will build industry capacity and open export opportunities, lower energy costs for local industry, and create approximately 300 new jobs, to ultimately secure a prosperous future for all South Australians.
City of Whyalla Mayor Phill Stone said Council had now made land available for the project which, combined with this call for proposals, enables this project to become a reality within several years.
“We are incredibly excited that Whyalla has been chosen as the home for this monumental project,” Mayor Stone said.
“This demonstrates our unique capabilities in terms of transport and electricity infrastructure; appropriately zoned land; local skills base; and available renewable resources.
“The rapid progress the State Government is making with this project highlights our collective commitment to deliver a project that will see Whyalla transition into a focal point of the global green hydrogen and decarbonisation evolution – putting us on the map for all the right reasons.”
Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation (BDAC) Chair Jason Bilney said BDAC and the South Australian Government had worked together to reach an agreement that will see Barngarla Native Title holders of this area share in the economic benefits being created through the Hydrogen Jobs Plan.
“As the First Nations’ People and Native Title Holders for the area, it is important for industry and Government to recognise that they are building this project on our Country and in areas where we have significant property rights,” Mr Bilney said.
“The Memorandum of Agreement that was signed this week between BDAC and the State Government, demonstrates a mutual respect and commitment to continue to work together to develop this important and innovative project for our State. Barngarla are proud of this agreement with State Government and our continued work leading the way to ensure that First Nations’ People get a real stake in the renewable energy revolution currently taking place.”
This latest development encourages the market to put forward proposals that could deliver greater strategic benefit to the state, including further investment, jobs and delivery of additional green hydrogen production for both domestic use and export.
Further information on the call for proposals can be found at the SA Tenders and Contracts website.