Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan has welcomed another step towards developing downstream green industries, including green aluminium, to the Collie region as it transitions away from coal into a major renewable energy centre.
Up to $1 million in funding has been approved for the first stage of a feasibility study into the Collie Battery and Hydrogen Industrial Hub Project.
The study by Sunshot Energy, chaired by eminent energy expert Ross Garnaut, is assessing the economic case for establishing a hydrogen electrolyser, powered by renewable energy, which could also produce green ammonia and urea for agricultural and industrial uses.
A 600 to 800-megawatt hour battery would be a key feature of the hub, which would provide renewable energy to new and existing industrial projects in Collie. This is around four times the size of Tesla's big battery in South Australia.
New industrial activity linked to access of decarbonised, low-cost energy is expected to lead to significant job creation in the short term and broaden Collie's economic base for long-term prosperity.
Should the economic case be successful, the project is estimated to create $730 million of new investment in green industries and decarbonisation initiatives, including 500 construction and 400 ongoing jobs for the region.
In addition, the low-cost energy generated by the hub will advantage existing businesses in Collie and encourage the expansion of manufacturing and minerals processing.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"It makes sense for Collie, which is at the heart of the South-West energy system, to become a renewable energy industrial hub as we transition away from the coal industry.
"This project will provide a firm basis to progress a renewable energy hub in Collie."
As stated by Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns:
"This is another project that aligns with Collie's Just Transition Plan and is a good next step to keep energy sector jobs in Collie.
"The renewable energy hub could also help to attract new industries to set up in Collie including processing of critical minerals."
