Release date: 26/02/24

South Australia’s first large-scale clean hydrogen production precinct, the Port Bonython Hydrogen Hub, has taken a major step with five major companies signing Development Agreements to use the facility.

Located near Whyalla in the Upper Spencer Gulf, the Port Bonython Hydrogen Hub is a common user facility for the production and export of hydrogen, and an integral part of South Australia’s first-mover strategy to enter the global hydrogen market.

With progress accelerating at the Port Bonython Hydrogen Hub and preparations underway on the $593 million State Government-funded Hydrogen Jobs Plan, South Australia is ideally positioned to become a world-class low-cost hydrogen leader.

In a significant step forward for the project, the Malinauskas Government has signed Development Agreements with five distinguished Port Bonython Hydrogen Hub project partners:

  • Amp Energy
  • Fortescue Energy
  • The Hydrogen Utility (H2U)
  • Origin Energy
  • Santos

These Development Agreements provide a clear pathway for project partners to secure a long-term lease on land at Port Bonython.

They will continue to progress feasibility studies and early design works for their proposed hydrogen projects, while continuing to collaborate with the Office of Hydrogen Power SA to define infrastructure requirements and advance critical environmental assessments.

Supported by the Australian Government’s $70 million matched funding, infrastructure development at the hub is progressing through master planning. This aims to strengthen common-user infrastructure solutions, including marine export infrastructure, electricity transmission and water supply.

The State Government is also spearheading a series of crucial scientific studies to deepen understanding of the marine and terrestrial environment at Port Bonython. These efforts aim to minimise community impact and safeguard local marine life, including the Giant Australian Cuttlefish.

The State Government acknowledges the Barngarla People as the native title holders of this land and will continue to work with the Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation as the Port Bonython Hydrogen Hub progresses.

Quotes

Attributable to Peter Malinauskas

South Australia is already a leader in the global energy transformation, and with some of the world’s best wind and solar resources, we have a competitive edge to produce renewable hydrogen.

Our Government has recognised this unique opportunity and is investing in South Australia’s renewable future through the world-leading Hydrogen Jobs Plan and the Port Bonython Hydrogen Hub.

Attributable to Tom Koutsantonis

I’m delighted these five significant project partners share our vision for the Port Bonython Hydrogen Hub and see South Australia’s potential as a world-class hydrogen supplier.

The Port Bonython Hydrogen Hub will enable South Australia to export green products made using renewable energy offshore while creating hundreds of jobs in our regions.

Attributable to Amp Energy President and Co-Founder Paul Ezekiel

The progression of the Port Bonython Hydrogen Hub is welcomed by Amp Energy as part of Amp’s South Australian hydrogen portfolio that includes the Cape Hardy Green Hydrogen Hub.

We are pleased to collaborate with the Government of South Australia in advancing the development of the Port Bonython Hydrogen Hub, underscoring our commitment to sustainable energy solutions and collective progress toward a greener future.

Amp's development of transmission-connected green hydrogen and ammonia production facilities at these two strategic sites in South Australia is critical to our continued global growth and long-term strategy.

Attributable to Fortescue Energy CEO Mark Hutchinson

The South Australia Government has shown it is serious about leading the green reindustrialisation of its economy.

This aligns with Fortescue’s vision to step the world beyond fossil fuels while continuing to be one of the highest returning companies on the Australian Stock Exchange.

As one of the State’s Project Partners at the Hub, Fortescue is in the early scoping phase of its proposed Integrated Port Bonython Hydrogen project.

Attributable to H2U Founder and CEO Dr Attilio Pigneri

As a long-term proponent of South Australia’s world-class green hydrogen potential, H2U is pleased to partner with the South Australian Government to progress the Port Bonython Hydrogen Hub.

The development of the Port Bonython Industrial Precinct and marine export infrastructure at the Port Bonython Jetty will unlock hydrogen production and export from the abundant renewable energy resource in the Eyre Peninsula and Upper Spencer Gulf regions of South Australia.