PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The consortium partners for the Han-Ho H2 consortium will advance the export-scale green hydrogen project in Queensland, from concept to feasibility, and have signed a heads of agreement to progress the project.

The consortium consists of Australia-based Ark Energy and its parent company Korea Zinc, as well as Korean conglomerates Hanwha Impact and SK Gas.

The proposed megaproject in North Queensland will produce up to 1.8-million tonnes a year of green ammonia and will support the development of up to 4.5 GW at Ark Energy’s Collinsville Green Energy Hub.

“The collective ambition of the Han-Ho H2 Consortium is to accelerate the energy transition by building new green growth engines for both Australia and Korea,” Ark Energy CEO Daniel Kim said on behalf of the consortium:

“We believe North Queensland has the potential to become a world-class producer and exporter of green hydrogen. We are committed to working closely with our key stakeholders to unlock and maximise this potential and deliver prosperity to the regional communities in which we operate.”

The project’s development during feasibility stage will be supported by the Queensland government investing A$8.5-million for the Abbot Point Activation Initiative under the Queensland and Energy and Jobs Plan hydrogen hubs program.

This investment will rapidly advance the master planning, development and infrastructure arrangements that are needed for Abbot Point to become a hydrogen export super hub including planning for the water and power supplies needed to produce hydrogen at scale in North Queensland.

Abbot Point presents a unique opportunity on government-owned land, with existing deepwater port infrastructure and proximity to one of Australia’s best renewable energy zones making it a prime location for renewable hydrogen and ammonia developments in North Queensland.

Townsville will become a critical minerals and hydrogen manufacturing powerhouse with Korea Zinc’s Sun Metals green industrial precinct and Ark Energy’s SunHQ Hydrogen Hub supporting the expansion of critical minerals supply chains and the domestic hydrogen industry.

“While our traditional trade and investment sectors with Korea remain strong, we’re also forging ahead in our decarbonisation initiatives,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said on Friday.

“We look forward to working closely with the consortium partners to unlock Queensland’s renewable energy potential and become a large-scale producer and exporter of green hydrogen.

“North Queensland has some of the best solar and wind resources in the world located near Queensland’s largest dam. The Collinsville Green Energy Hub provides more good job opportunities in the Bowen basin as we create more industries in Queensland.

“Working in collaboration with the Han-Ho H2 Consortium, we will transform the state into a renewable energy powerhouse, delivering clean, reliable and affordable power for generations and providing good, secure jobs for the future.

“Our ongoing partnership with the Korea Zinc group will support Townsville to become a world leader in critical minerals and hydrogen manufacturing including through the SunHQ Hydrogen Hub.”

Queensland’s hydrogen industry has potential to support more than 8 900 new jobs at its peak, delivering A$17.2-billion in hydrogen exports, and A$12.4-billion to Queensland’s gross state product over its 30-year life.