PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Queensland’s budding hydrogen industry has been given a boost with the approval of the A$983-million Fitzroy to Gladstone water pipeline.

The Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline will deliver water security to the Gladstone region, where industry currently generates A$6-billion in gross regional product every year.

Hydrogen proponents under development with future water requirements include the Fortescue Future Industries hydrogen electrolyser manufacturing facility, Mitsubishi Gas’ proposal for a hydrogen-to-green methanol plant, the Stanwell / Iwatani Central Queensland Hydrogen Project, Orica and H2U’s proposed green ammonia plant and Rio Tinto and Sumitomo’s proposed hydrogen plant.

The infrastructure approval also aligns with recommendations made in the Bradfield Report, commissioned by the Queensland government and prepared by the expert Bradfield Regional Assessment and Development Panel.

Gladstone Area Water Board was appointed by the state government in August 2021 to deliver pre-construction activities for the pipeline, which included undertaking procurement activities, addressing land access arrangements and determining long lead time items to ensure construction readiness for the pipeline.

Works are underway and the expected project completion is late 2026.

“My government is committed to building the infrastructure Queensland needs to support good jobs in new industries during the clean energy industrial revolution,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

“Nearly A$1-billion has been committed to this important project, which guarantees water security and sends a powerful signal to the hydrogen sector that Queensland is the place to be for clean energy.

“Gladstone will be the engine room when it comes to delivering our landmark Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan – that means good secure jobs now, and into the future.”

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said the government’s contribution towards vital infrastructure for Central Queensland was the first investment from the new coal royalty tiers.

“This revenue was generated in Central Queensland and as we promised, it will be invested in regional Queensland.”