The State Government's Industrial Lands Panel has approved Oakajee Strategic Industrial Area (SIA) land allocation in the latest move to make the greenfield site a globally competitive, multi-product renewable hydrogen industrial precinct.
The Oakajee SIA is located about 435 kilometres north of Perth and 23km north of Geraldton, with four key designated land uses including a 1,134 hectare heavy industrial core, 4,070ha buffer zone, 1,000ha port and 196ha industrial support areas.
The greenfield Oakajee site is recognised for its world class wind and solar energy potential, which is ideal for the production of renewable hydrogen for domestic and commercial use, advanced manufacturing and export.
In 2021, the State Government committed $47.5 million to the activation of the Oakajee Strategic Industrial Area and is progressing early road infrastructure as a first step towards developing Oakajee into a globally competitive renewable hydrogen precinct.
Noting the significant interest in the opportunity, the Industrial Lands Panel has agreed to allocate land to six proponents subject to negotiations and agreement being reached on key terms with DevelopmentWA as the State's central land development agency.
The six proponents are:
- BP;
- Fortescue Future Industries (FFI);
- Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP);
- Green LOHC;
- Kinara Power; and
- Blue Diamond Australia
Once operational, the Oakajee SIA will generate significant investment, employment and value production for the Mid-West region and Western Australia.
The Oakajee SIA is one of 13 SIAs across WA, established to provide appropriate locations for investment in strategic, heavy industrial and downstream processing industries to support the Government's objective to diversify the Western Australian economy and add value to the State's resources.
SIAs connect key minerals and energy provinces, infrastructure and population centres, bringing together innovative technologies and emerging industries to establish thriving industrial ecosystems to support economic development and jobs outcomes.
Importantly, SIAs provide the opportunity to develop synergies and support project economics through the shared use of key infrastructure and approvals processes to support the establishment of key industries.
More information at https://siawa.com.au/
As stated by State Development, Jobs and Trade Minister Roger Cook:
"Clean and renewable energy is in strong demand globally, and we have the perfect mix of wind and solar potential that is the envy of the world right here in WA.
"The Oakajee SIA has received significant interest from major global hydrogen producers, and has the potential to not only transform our economy, but create more long-term jobs for Western Australians.
"Oakajee is a prime example of the work being undertaken by the WA Government to activate SIAs across the State, stimulating activities that will help diversify our economy and create local jobs."
As stated by Hydrogen Industry Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"Since the WA Government identified Oakajee as an ideal location for renewable energy and hydrogen production, we have been working hard with proponents taking the next steps towards the establishment of a globally competitive green hydrogen industry.
"Renewable hydrogen produced at Oakajee will not only be a boon for the Mid-West, but also has the potential to become another world-class export from WA's regional areas.
"The successful proponents have the capacity to drive these new industrial opportunities forward."
As stated by Lands Minister John Carey:
"Land allocation is one of many ways the McGowan Government is helping facilitate more clean energy production.
"SIAs are a key tool to attract investment into WA and support emerging industries, building on WA's existing strengths.
"Our Government remains focused on supporting renewable energy industries that will help transform and future-proof our economy, while creating skilled local jobs for the future."
