PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Northern Territory government this week assigned Major Project status to the A$4.5-billion Tiwi Island hydrogen (Tiwi H2) project, being developed by Provaris.

The Tiwi H2 project is an integrated compressed green hydrogen production and export development, located on the Tiwi Islands, using solar power to produce up to 100 000 t/y of green hydrogen for export into the Asia Pacific region.

The project is estimated to create 500 jobs during construction and 100 positions once operational, with a lifespan of 30 years, and will use existing plantation and industrial land to create jobs and income for the Tiwi people.

“Tiwi H2 is an exciting renewables project – it will not only further diversify our economy, but also strongly position the Northern Territory as a key location for renewable hydrogen production,” said Chief Minister Natasha Fyles.

“Establishing the territory as a leader in the new energy economy means more opportunities for territorians and territory businesses - this sector will only continue to grow moving forward.   

“With one of the best solar resources in the world, and the development of projects like Tiwi H2 – the Territory will play a leading role in the emerging renewable hydrogen market.”

Provaris MD Martin Carolan said the endorsement of the Tiwi H2 project by the territory with Major Project status is another significant milestone for Provaris as the company moved forward with its development programme.

“We look forward to a continuation of the support provided by the Territory in delivering what can be Australia’s first export hydrogen project, delivered using our compressed hydrogen solution.”

As part of the Major Project status award, Provaris and the Northern Territory government have entered into a Project Facilitation Agreement to work in a spirit of cooperation to seek to achieve the timely, efficient and effective development of the Tiwi H2 project and to maximise the economic and community benefit for the Northern Territory.