A funding agreement between the Australian Federal and Western Australian state Governments will enable the construction of a hydrogen hub in Pilbara, WA.
The Pilbara Hydrogen Hub will be a major centre for hydrogen production and export, with the potential to become an international gateway to Australian-made green steel and iron.
It will support almost 1000 direct and indirect jobs, including for builders, concreters, electricians, plumbers, fitters and technicians.
Construction on the road and intersection will start this year, with the hub becoming operational in mid-2028. A planned pipeline could enable hydrogen production of around 492,000 tonnes per year, enough to decarbonise existing ammonia production on the Burrup Peninsula.
By 2050, Australia’s hydrogen industry is projected to generate $50 billion in additional GDP and create over 16,000 jobs in regional Australia, including in WA.
The combined $140 million investment ($70 million each from the Commonwealth and WA Government) will help build infrastructure to support hydrogen exports and renewable energy production, as well as fund activities for a Clean Energy Training and Research Institute.
Western Australian premier Roger Cook said, “This project will be WA-produced hydrogen on Asia’s doorstep, helping to strengthen and diversify our economy for the future.”
The institute will provide practical, job-focused training in renewable energy and hydrogen for Pilbara residents, including First Nations peoples.
The project will take place in the Pilbara, on the traditional lands of the Ngarluma and Kariyarra people. This also includes Murujuga, where the Traditional Custodians are represented by the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation.
Minister for climate change and energy Chris Bowen said “Developing a hydrogen industry in the Pilbara means more jobs and a strong future for our local communities.”
“This hub will bring a new clean energy industry to the Pilbara, supporting the region’s world-class industries well into the future,” said Bowen.
The industry is also expected to create an additional 13,000 jobs from the construction of renewable energy infrastructure.
The Federal Government’s $70 million investment is part of its Regional Hydrogen Hubs program, which is investing over half a billion dollars to build hubs at key locations like Kwinana, Gladstone, Townsville, Bell Bay, Port Bonython, and the Hunter.