Pilbara hydrogen hub gets $140m government backing

The federal and Western Australian governments have finalised a $140 million agreement to support construction of a hydrogen hub in the Pilbara in Western Australia.

The Pilbara Hydrogen Hub is planned as a major centre for hydrogen production and export, with the potential to become an international gateway to Australian-made green steel and iron.

The project will establish a hydrogen pipeline between Maitland and Burrup Strategic Industrial areas, a Clean Energy Training and Research Institute, port upgrades and a hub expansion study which will plan for future growth.

Construction on a 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.

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.

Western Australian Premier Roger Cook said the hub was a key part of his Government’s plan to turn WA into a global clean energy powerhouse.

Cook said: “This project will be WA-produced hydrogen on Asia’s doorstep, helping to strengthen and diversify our economy for the future.”

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the hub would ensure the Pilbara’s future as a major energy producer and exporter.

The Australian Government’s $70 million investment is part of its Regional Hydrogen Hubs programme, 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.

Picture: Pilbara Development Commission