Kwinana hydrogen hub set for research

The industrial area of Kwinana south of Perth could become a centre for cutting-edge clean energy research and training with the award of a major grant to the Kwinana Energy Transformation Hub (KETH).

The KETH, the flagship project of the Future Energy Exports Cooperative Research Centre (FEnEx CRC), is envisaged as a unique industrial-scale facility to research, test and demonstrate decarbonisation technology solutions for the energy industry.

Western Australian Premier Roger Cook announced $15 million funding would be provided under the State Government’s Investment Attraction Fund (IAF) which aims to attract new investment in advanced manufacturing, science, innovation and technology.

KETH CEO Simona Chady said: “The need for a facility like the KETH is being driven by demand from governments, organisations and stakeholders who all want to see the successful decarbonisation of our vital energy sector and also accelerate the development of industrial-scale clean hydrogen technologies.

“This grant will provide us with the momentum needed to take a Final Investment Decision (FID) on Phase 1 which will include hydrogen, training, and R&D facilities.

“Over 50 separate research projects are planned for KETH and it will also play a crucial role training the workforce needed for tomorrow’s energy system”.

Ms Chady said the KETH could play a significant role advancing decarbonisation strategies for the broader Kwinana industrial estate and other WA industries.

“The KETH will contribute to positioning WA as a global leader in clean energy by accelerating commercial-scale hydrogen and also decarbonising the sector through advanced technology development.”

Once fully constructed, the KETH will provide an open-access, multi-user environment for demonstrating technologies at industrially relevant scale, as well as certification of equipment and training for process operators.

FEnEx CRC CEO Professor Eric May said: “A lot of work has gone into achieving this milestone.

“The educational and research benefits that the KETH will bring to this state will ensure it is and remains a focal point of knowledge leadership central to the energy transition.”

Picture: Kwinana Energy Transformation Hub