Green hydrogen project reaches financial close in NSW

A green hydrogen and ammonia project in regional New South Wales has reached financial close, with construction set to begin in October, according to an announcement on Wednesday.

The Good Earth Green Hydrogen and Ammonia project is a joint venture between Hiringa Energy, Sundown Pastoral Company and the NSW Government. The facility will be located near Moree, adjacent to Sundown's Wathagar cotton ginning facility.

The plant will produce up to 4,500 tonnes of low-carbon ammonia annually, displacing fossil fuel-based nitrogen fertilisers and removing up to 17,000 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent emissions each year. The facility will also supply approximately 224 tonnes of green hydrogen per annum for direct use.

Hiringa co-founder and chief executive Andrew Clennett said the project offered a model for overcoming obstacles that had held back new green industries. “By strategically partnering with Sundown Pastoral Co, we're anchoring demand with supply to meet the immediate needs of the agricultural sector,” he said.

The ammonia will be used by Sundown to support production of its Good Earth Cotton, with excess supply available for other regional growers. Green hydrogen will be consumed as part of Hiringa's heavy-vehicle refuelling network and on-farm to displace diesel in irrigation pumping.

National Australia Bank provided project financing. NAB Executive for Regional and Agribusiness Khan Horne said the project could help transform Australian agriculture by enabling a more resilient, low-emissions future.

The facility is expected to be fully operational in early 2027. The project includes 36MW of solar generation capacity, 15MW of electrolysis, and a 16 tonne per day ammonia plant.

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