The Federal Government has announced it will be funding the $1 million Darwin Clean Hydrogen Hub, a study that will explore the production, demand, storage and delivery of hydrogen in a potential market.
The joint study will be completed by INPEX, Santos, Xodus and Australia’s national science agency CSIRO.
Over 18 months, the Darwin Clean Hydrogen Hub will examine market demand for hydrogen, renewable energy sites and infrastructure needed to produce and deliver hydrogen, storage requirements and both domestic and international supply chains.
The research complements the Northern Territory Government’s work alongside the CSIRO, INPEX, Santos and other industry representatives to establish a carbon capture and storage common-user hub at Middle Arm.
Middle Arm will be a sustainable low emissions precinct which will create 20,000 low emission jobs.
Chief Minister, Natasha Fyles, said the Northern Territory Government welcomed the investment into the Darwin Clean Hydrogen Hub, and that the project is not only a pathway to renewables, but more jobs.
“INPEX and the Territory work well together, supporting jobs for Territorians, and now are playing a role in shaping a future industry in our community. This sort of development has long term social benefits for the Territory,” Ms Fyles said.
“Creating a hydrogen industry will not only provide cleaner energy to the Northern Territory and our region, but will create jobs for Territorians.”
Deputy Chief Minister, Nicole Manison, said INPEX has a long history of job creation and infrastructure investment in the Northern Territory.
“The funding announcement is an investment in our future technology, which will enable more development in the energy industry, resulting in more jobs and better outcomes for Territorians,” Ms Manison said.
“Not only will Darwin become a significant hydrogen hub for the nation, this will also strengthen the relationship between the Territory and our trade partners.”
The Australian Government’s Regional Hydrogen Hubs: Development and Design Grants program supports industry with the initial development, feasibility and design work needed to advance Hydrogen Hub concepts to investment ready proposals.