Inside a hydrogen processing plant. Image: Lubo Ivanko/stock.adobe.com
With plans to install 3000 wind turbines and 25 million solar panels, the Western Green Energy Hub is set to become one of the world’s largest renewable energy projects, marking a major milestone in Australia’s transition to green hydrogen production.
Spanning 15,000 square kilometres in Western Australia’s Goldfields-Esperance region, the Western Green Energy Hub (WGEH) is a collaboration between InterContinental Energy, CWP Global, and Mirning Green Energy.
Aiming to generate 3.5 million tonnes of zero-carbon green hydrogen annually, the project has recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between WGEH and Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), paving the way for further development and international collaboration.
A transformational energy project
WA’s Hydrogen Industry Minister Bill Johnston welcomed the partnership, emphasising its role in solidifying Western Australia’s leadership in renewable hydrogen.
“Congratulations to Western Green Energy Hub and the Korea Electric Power Corporation on working together to assess how this significant green hydrogen hub can be created,” he said.
“The MoU is a key step forward in the process of having this major project completed.
“This is an exciting project for Western Australia and will put our State on the forefront of producing green hydrogen, making it competitive on a worldwide scale.”
Once operational, WGEH will be one of the largest renewable energy hubs globally.
The project’s scale is unprecedented, with an expected capital cost of up to $100 billion.
Construction will take place in multiple phases over 15 years, with initial production expected by 2032.
Once completed, it will provide a significant boost to Western Australia’s Renewable Hydrogen Strategy, which aims to have a large-scale hydrogen project approved by the end of 2028.
Economic and environmental impact
According to reports, the WGEH is expected to generate thousands of jobs over its construction period.
It will also sustain a workforce of approximately 8000 employees at its peak.
A purpose-built town near Eucla will provide housing and infrastructure for workers, including greenhouses for fresh produce and electric transport systems.
Proposals said the project’s benefits are equally significant.
It has the potential to offset 22 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, contributing substantially to Australia’s net-zero targets.
The renewable energy generated will also support local industries, with hydrogen potentially being used for power generation, shipping fuel, and minerals processing.
Indigenous collaboration
A critical aspect of WGEH’s development is its partnership with the Mirning people, the traditional owners of the land.
The Mirning Traditional Lands Aboriginal Corporation holds exclusive Native Title rights over most of the proposed project area.
WGEH has committed to ensuring free, prior, and informed consent through comprehensive community consultations.
Mirning Green Energy, established in 2021, holds a 10 per cent stake in the project and has a permanent seat on the WGEH board. Under the agreement, the Mirning people have the option to increase their ownership share in the future.
Additionally, an infrastructure exclusion zone has been established to protect culturally and environmentally significant areas.
Future plans
Despite its promise, the WGEH faces considerable challenges, including securing financial backing and navigating complex regulatory approvals.
According to an ABC report, University of Western Australia adjunct professor Bill Grace acknowledged the high costs but emphasised the project’s potential.
“The scale of it is really quite incredible. It’s actually about 20 major projects comprised within this whole idea,” he said.
If completed, WGEH will cement Australia’s position as a global leader in renewable hydrogen production.
The project’s vast scale, economic impact, and commitment to sustainability make it a pivotal development in the country’s clean energy transition.
Curtin University sustainability expert Professor Peter Newman remains optimistic about WGEH’s prospects.
“There are many of these green hubs being proposed. Many of them do look like ‘pie in the sky’ to me. This is one of the best,” he said.
For more renewable and solar news, subscribe to ecogeneration.
