PERTH (miningweekly.com) – A Western Australia-based electrolyser manufacturing facility could inject A$200-million a year into the state’s economy, a new report has found.
The state government partnered with international hydrogen technology companies ITM Power and Linde Engineering to develop a business case for new electrolyser manufacturing facilities in Western Australia.
This involved undertaking feasibility studies regarding the potential size, scale and market for electrolyser manufacturing, as well as assembly and maintenance opportunities.
The Knowledge Sharing Report provided clear opportunities around manufacturing capabilities, and also suggested a range of policy interventions to facilitate the development of an electrolyser manufacturing industry in the state.
The report notes that a 2 GW/y electrolyser manufacturing facility has the potential to create around 200 direct engineering technician jobs and 1 000 indirect jobs, inject A$200-million a year to the local economy through associated services, and support the creation of around 18 000 new jobs during the construction phase for new hydrogen projects and up to 2 500 ongoing maintenance jobs.
“Developing a global-scale electrolyser manufacturing industry in Western Australia will enable the State to better position itself in the renewable hydrogen supply chain,” said Hydrogen Industry Minister Bill Johnston.
“An update of Western Australia's Renewable Hydrogen Strategy is currently under way, which will consider options to explore how gaps in the supply chain can be addressed.
“Companies seeking to pursue electrolyser manufacturing opportunities in Western Australia are encouraged to apply for grant funding under the next round of the Investment Attraction Fund.”