Mayor Jenny Hill has welcomed today's signing of an agreement that will contribute to Townsville becoming a leader in hydrogen production and export in Australia.
Cr Hill said the memorandum of understanding between Australian energy company Origin and the Port of Townsville would mean jobs and economic stimulus to Townsville and North Queensland.
Origin Energy has been working with Japan's Kawasaki Heavy Industries for the past 18 months on developing a 36,500Tpa export liquid hydrogen project.
"Origin's plan to produce liquid hydrogen made from renewable energy by 2025 and export it by the following year (2026) is exactly the kind of advanced manufacturing that Council is continuing to attract to Townsville," Cr Hill said.
"Hydrogen is an energy of the future and our city is uniquely placed to be able to supply hydrogen to both domestic and export markets.
"We have substantial suitable land and renewable energy capacity, undersubscribed use of the North Queensland Gas Pipeline and renewable energy projects and the deep-water Port of Townsville through which hydrogen can be exported.
"The agreement between Origin and the port is another step in realising Townsville and North Queensland's potential as a national hydrogen hub.
"Council will continue to work collaboratively with Origin about their plans and we look forward to seeing this project to fruition."
