The transformation of Western Australia into a global supplier of renewable hydrogen continues, with the WA Government to partner with the Netherlands' Port of Rotterdam and BMBF on a study into fast tracking hydrogen exports from the Oakajee SIA in the Mid-West.
The Oakajee SIA has some of Australia's best renewable energy resources, and the potential to become one of the largest renewable hydrogen producing areas in the world.
Hydrogen Industry Minister Alannah MacTiernan today met with the representatives of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the program manager for International Hydrogen from the Port of Rotterdam to discuss the trilateral study.
Providing a platform for joint research and opportunities for businesses from both continents, the study will examine technology solutions and port master planning, to help accelerate the export of renewable hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives through the development of an integrated port at the Oakajee SIA.
It will include a site-specific estimation of hydrogen generation, supply costs to the Port of Rotterdam, and possible port-to-customer transports to Germany.
The WA Government will invest AUD $500,000 to the study, with the Port of Rotterdam allocating €250,000. BMBF intends to contribute with funding of up to €500,000.
WA's Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation and the Mid-West Port Authority will undertake the study with the Port of Rotterdam and Germany's Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE).
The Port of Rotterdam and ISE will contribute world-leading innovative technology solutions that will assist in accelerating hydrogen production and exports to Europe before the end of this decade.
The study builds on strong relationships that were formed through the Australia-Germany Hydrogen Accord, and the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the WA Government and the Port of Rotterdam in November 2021.
As stated by Hydrogen Industry Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"The European Union has set a target of importing 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen by 2030 to replace fossil fuels across Europe.
"The Oakajee SIA is a prime example of how Western Australia - with our abundance of
renewable energy resources and suitable land areas - is well placed to meet this demand.
"This trilateral study is an important step in establishing a renewable hydrogen supply chain from Western Australia to Germany and the Netherlands."
As stated by Ports Minister Rita Saffioti:
"To become a renewable hydrogen exporter, we must continue to deepen relationships with key international partners such as Europe's largest sea port - the Port of Rotterdam - and the BMBF.
"Through this trilateral study we will improve our understanding of what is required to develop hydrogen exports from the Oakajee SIA to Europe."
