The Federal Budget has delivered a boost to the Illawarra region’s Hydrogen industry, with $35 million support for future green energy projects announced. RDA Illawarra welcomed the announcement of up to
$30 million to Australian Industrial Power’s (AIP) proposed 635 MW hydrogen-ready gas fired power station at Port Kembla. When combined with $5 million for Energy Australia’s Tallawarra B project, this is a significant commitment by the federal government to future Green Energy projects for the Illawarra region.
“The AIP Port Kembla Power Station Project is an important pillar of the Illawarra Hydrogen Hub, which RDA Illawarra has advocated for and we commend the Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, the Hon. Angus Taylor, for his support” said Debra Murphy, CEO of RDA Illawarra.
“The AIP Port Kembla Power Station Project, to be located adjacent to the Port Kembla Gas Import Terminal Project, has been shortlisted in the Underwriting New Generation Investments (UNGI) scheme. It is our understanding that tonight’s commitment by the federal government will see this project progress with early works and move closer towards financial investment decision.”
The Port Kembla Power Station Project has the potential to create 700 construction jobs, 35 operational jobs and has a capital investment of circa $1.2 billion.
The Tallawarra B project funding of $5 million is part of a package to support new gas generators to become hydrogen-ready. The Illawarra is ideally positioned for the creation of a Hydrogen Hub for NSW, as part of Australia’s National Hydrogen Strategy. An Illawarra Hydrogen Hub will leverage existing infrastructure for the production and distribution of hydrogen at Port Kembla, initially building and servicing domestic demand whilst delivering export capacity and capability by 2030. Read more about the RDA Illawarra & RDA Sydney submission here.