Senior hydrogen industry executives have visited Whyalla following the South Australian Government’s confirmation it will build a hydrogen power plant in the city.
The Government has pledged $593 million in next year’s budget for the construction of the plant.
Representatives from Santos, Fortescue Future Industries, Origin Energy, Chiyoda, ENEOS Australia, Mitsubishi Australia, AMP Energy and H2U – together with Hydrogen Energy Australia and senior State Government managers – toured the city and visited the Port Bonython hydrogen hub precinct.
Whyalla Mayor, Clare McLaughlin and Council CEO, Justin Commons welcomed the executives.
“There was no doubt about the passion and enthusiasm our visitors have regarding the opportunities our region provides to support future green hydrogen production, use and export,” Mayor McLaughlin said.
“It is not by chance that this is happening – we have been advocating both State and Federal Government extensively over the past 18 months to ensure Whyalla’s hydrogen potential received their support.
“The positive feedback from these companies and the State Government about Council’s support for the establishment of green hydrogen capability in our region, which will in-turn support decarbonisation of our local heavy industry and the global transition to a low-carbon future , is in strong alignment with Council’s advocacy and vision for the city.”
Mayor McLaughlin said the private sector developments being planned, together with the confirmed State and Federal Government funding for the Port Bonython hydrogen hub and hydrogen power plant, will provide thousands of new jobs for the region in the coming years.
“These projects will provide long-awaited diversification for our economy; increase our population; and put us on the map as a global leader in hydrogen production and export,” she said.
