PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The feasibility study on Queensland’s largest renewable hydrogen development project, the CQ-H2, has been completed, with government-owned Stanwell Corporation and its consortium partners now preparing to start front-end engineering design (FEED) studies in early 2023.

The project is expected to deliver over A$17.2-billion in hydrogen exports and A$12.4-billion to Queensland’s gross domestic product over its 30-year lifespan and, at its peak, create up to 8 900 new Queensland jobs in construction, heavy manufacturing, and a range of local service industries.

The consortium set a production and offtake target of 100 t/d of renewable hydrogen by 2026, scaling up to a total of 800 t/d, with a maximum of 268 000 t/y dependent on operation mode and availability, in 2031 to help meet demand from Japan’s power generation sector.

In support of the Phase 1 development, approximately 1 320 MW of renewable energy is available via Stanwell’s renewable energy portfolio.

The feasibility study found that the CQ-H2 Project is technically feasible and commercially viable with appropriate government support in the initial phases.

“The FEED study, once commenced, will provide the detail required to support a final investment decision,” said Stanwell CEO Michael O’Rourke.

“With high-calibre expertise across the supply chain, including potential offtakers, the project is on track for first hydrogen production in 2027. The CQ-H2 project will ultimately scale up to produce 800 t/d of clean, green hydrogen by the early 2030s.

“We’re excited to play a key role in developing Queensland’s renewable hydrogen industry and creating employment and economic benefits to the state for years to come.”

Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said Stanwell’s partnership with major global energy heavyweights to build the CQ-H2 project could unlock billions of dollars of investment and thousands of good jobs for Queenslanders.

“The CQ-H2 project’s benefits for Queensland could be immense, with jobs in construction, manufacturing, and local service industries,” the Treasurer said.

“That’s why Queensland has committed A$15-million towards funding Stanwell’s FEED costs, including future planning for supply chain and workforce opportunities,” he said.

Minister for Energy, Hydrogen and Renewables Mick de Brenni said Queensland’s energy transformation was the greatest opportunity in a generation.

“This is how we sell Queensland’s sunshine, wind and future hydro power to the world. The CQ-H2 project is helping write a new chapter in Queensland’s economic history as we become a global green hydrogen powerhouse,” De Brenni said.

“The Queensland government is sending a very clear message to the world that we will be a global player for reliable, affordable and clean energy.”

Publicly owned Stanwell Corporation’s partners include Iwatani Corporation, Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd, Kansai Electric Power Company, Marubeni, and the APA Group.