Australia has taken a significant step towards renewable energy with the Federal Government's allocation of A$1.6 million for a feasibility study of one of the country's pioneering large-scale green hydrogen initiatives, the East Kimberley Clean Energy Project.
Ambitious valuation
Near Kununurra, at the colossal Lake Argyle, the project stands out with its ambitious A$3 billion valuation.
The plan is to establish a vast 900-megawatt solar farm to harness the Kimberley's intense sunlight and abundant fresh water.
This is a groundbreaking collaboration, being the first to predominantly involve traditional owners in its operations.
The facility will generate electricity subsequently transformed into green hydrogen, with the Kimberley's unique climatic advantages playing a pivotal role.
Green hydrogen, which is essential for achieving net-zero emissions, will be produced in abundance – the project is targeting the creation of 250,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually, positioning it among the world's leading renewable hydrogen and ammonia production sites.
Federal Government support
The Federal Government, which is keen to emphasise its support for the multi-billion-dollar clean energy endeavour, has facilitated the investment through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
ARENA’s funding is contingent on the project's potential to contribute significantly to the global shift towards renewable resources.
The hydrogen production ambitions align with the International Energy Agency's 2021 directive, which highlights the necessity of generating 306 million tonnes of green hydrogen yearly by 2050 to realise a net-zero world.
Indigenous inclusion
The project involves East Kimberley's traditional owners, the Balanggarra and Miriuwung Gajerrong peoples, in collaboration with the Kimberley Land Council.
This represents a big step towards integrating indigenous communities in Australia's renewable energy landscape, which in turn empowers these communities and enhances the project's viability and attractiveness to investors.
Along with heralding a new era of energy production, the project pioneers a novel approach to engaging traditional owners, offering them substantial control and benefits from the renewable energy projects on their lands.