Largest electrolyser making facility comes live in Australia
Queensland is now home to the largest hydrogen electrolyser manufacturing facility in Australia. The new plant is a significant milestone in clean energy transition of the island country. The Gladstone Electrolyser Facility, the first of its kind in the country, will be producing electrolysers at a commercial scale which will solidify Gladstone’s reputation as hydrogen capital of Australia.
An electrolyser, the heart of the facility, harnesses electricity to split water (H2O) into its constituent parts, primarily hydrogen. Fortescue Energy’s CEO, Mark Hutchinson, emphasized the facility’s significance in meeting the rising global demand for green hydrogen amid efforts to decarbonize. The rapid delivery and commissioning of this facility has happened within two years.
The Gladstone Electrolyser Facility is just the beginning of a broader initiative by Fortescue, known as the Green Energy Manufacturing Centre, in Gladstone.
The next phase, PEM50, a 50-megawatt green hydrogen production facility, has received approval to proceed. Utilizing locally manufactured electrolysers, PEM50 aims to cater to both local consumption and export markets, contributing to the global shift towards cleaner energy sources.
With “green hydrogen” gaining traction as a crucial component in achieving net-zero emissions, the manufacturing centre’s initial capacity of 2 gigawatts per annum highlights its significant role in the clean energy landscape.
Stephanie Gray from the Queensland Conservation Council says that this facility is a crucial step in Queensland’s transition away from coal and gas, emphasizing the need for sustainable alternatives to support regional economies.
Gladstone Mayor Matt Burnett believes that the green hydrogen facility as pivotal in establishing Gladstone and central Queensland as key players in hydrogen production and renewable energy. The projects are not only catalysts for economic growth but also provide employment opportunities, generating 240 jobs during construction and sustaining 26 ongoing local jobs.
