PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Western Australian government has assigned the Bristol Springs renewable energy project (BSSP) lead agency status, ASX-listed Frontier Energy says.
A prefeasibility study (PFS) into the Bristol Springs project found that it could produce 4.4-million kilograms of hydrogen a year, resulting in a cost of A$2.83/kg of hydrogen produced. The study is based on the development of a green hydrogen production facility at Bristol Springs, based on an 114 MW solar farm.
The hydrogen project is expected to require a capital investment of A$69.9-million, with sustaining costs estimated at A$11.7-million. Capital costs for the Stage 1 solar operation have been estimated at A$166.3-million.
Frontier said on Wednesday that lead agency status recognised the importance of the project for the development of renewable energy in the region, including the development of a green hydrogen industry.
“Being awarded lead agency status is a strong endorsement from the Western Australian government, as this highlights the importance the project plays not only for the state’s renewable energy strategy but also the domestic hydrogen industry,” said Frontier MD Sam Lee Mohan.
“This status ensures if there is any “red tape” adversely impacting the development of the project, the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation (JTSI) will help Frontier to navigate and find successful outcomes. It also ensures that when the state is promoting Western Australia’s renewable energy and hydrogen strategy to a global audience, the Bristol Springs project will now be front and centre.
‘We look forward to working closely with JTSI through Stage One’s development, but also in the long term, as we target total renewable energy production of up to 1 GW of energy in the region,” said Mohan.