Gladstone has been selected as the location for a $1.61 billion chemical complex proposed to produce green hydrogen and ammonia at industrial-scale.

The Hydrogen Utility’s (H2U) latest project, H2-Hub Gladstone, could potentially create more than 100 operational jobs, according to State Development Minister Cameron Dick.

“A project of this scale requires a large, accessible site, where complex industrial processing can occur,” Mr Dick said.

“Through the Queensland Government’s land use planning and property development agency, Economic Development Queensland (EDQ), H2U have purchased a 171ha site at Yarwun in the Gladstone State Development Area, which is in close proximity to the export precinct at Fisherman’s Landing.

“With green hydrogen and ammonia emerging as a strong, competitive energy source, we are really pleased that Gladstone is on the radar for companies seeking to establish large-scale industrial projects.”

Growing list of Gladstone industrial projects

It follows an announcement earlier this month that Alpha HPA has plans for a $200 million high-purity alumina industrial plant on a 9.2ha site in the Gladstone State Development Area.

And it was revealed today that Australian Gas Networks (AGN) plans to have a $4.2 million gas injection facility up and running in Gladstone by December next year.

Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) has also approved a variation to ACCIONA’s Aldoga Solar Farm lease, to allow them to investigate renewable hydrogen production as part of the project.

H2U chief executive officer Dr Attilio Pigneri said H2-Hub Gladstone would be built in stages to integrate up to 3GW in electrolysis plant, and up to 5000 tonnes per day ammonia production capacity.

“Japan for example, has developed a well-structured, 30-year plan to transition its energy economy, where green hydrogen and ammonia imports will play a key role in the decarbonisation of its power and industry sectors.”

Dr Pigneri said Gladstone was an obvious choice for locating industrial-scale green hydrogen and ammonia facilities.

Its existing skill base, industrial port eco-system and strategic location in the Queensland grid provided a unique springboard for the establishment of this new industry, he said.

“With the land in Gladstone secured under contract the project will now move into master planning and detailed feasibility, targeting approvals by 2023 and first operation in 2025,” Dr Pigneri said.