The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced $1.67 million in funding for a feasibility study into an ambitious large-scale renewable energy and hydrogen project in Western Australia’s East Kimberley region.
The $3.33 million Phase 1 study will assess plans to generate over 1000 megawatts (MW) of solar power paired with 850MW of electrolysis capacity to produce 50,000 tonnes per annum of renewable hydrogen. The hydrogen would then be transported to Wyndham and combined with hydropower to produce around 250,000 tonnes of renewable ammonia annually for domestic use and export.
If developed, the estimated $2.7-3.2 billion facility would be one of the world’s largest renewable hydrogen and ammonia production hubs.
What sets this project apart is that it is being driven by a partnership between First Nations corporations and groups – MG Corporation, Balanggarra Ventures, Kimberley Land Council, and climate investment firm Pollination. Each holds an equal stake, ensuring the development is majority First Nations-owned during design.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the agency will work with the Aboriginal Clean Energy Partnership to share learnings and build capacity, describing it as the type of First Nations-led project needed for Australia’s renewable energy superpower ambitions.
“This project will pave the way for First Nations-led renewable developments, and ARENA will ensure lessons from East Kimberley inform future projects,” Miller said.
The partnership model aims to give Traditional Owners a leadership role and direct stake in the energy transition, rather than just being stakeholders.
Kimberley Land Council Chairman Anthony Watson said it demonstrates economic prosperity can go “hand in hand” with Indigenous empowerment and environmental care.
The feasibility study of the project has commenced and will take around 5 months to complete its initial phase.
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