18 October 2023
Breaking ground on ground-breaking Hydrogen Project: Hydrogen Park Gladstone Construction Begins
Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG) is excited to announce the start of construction of Hydrogen Park (HyP) Gladstone, the first city-wide renewable hydrogen blending project in Australia.
Construction of HyP Gladstone, which is supported by up to $2.72 million from the Queensland Government’s Hydrogen Industry Development Fund, marks an important milestone in further fostering the hydrogen economy in the state.
When operational, by early 2024, HyP Gladstone will supply nearly 800 homes and businesses in Gladstone and Barney Point with a blend of up to 10 per cent renewable hydrogen in their gas supply with no changes needed to appliances, connections or customer bills.
AGIG CEO, Craig de Laine said: “The importance of renewable gas, including hydrogen, is becoming clearer by the day. Customers, including our large industrial customers, are keen to access renewable gas options such as hydrogen to help meet Safeguard targets and to deliver Queensland’s low carbon objectives more broadly.”
“HyP Gladstone builds on AGIG’s experience in renewable hydrogen project development in Australia. As Australia’s first city-wide project, HyP Gladstone takes a leap forward in showcasing the low-carbon future of gas supply in Australia.
“Importantly, renewable gases such as hydrogen can be delivered safely, reliably and at very little incremental cost through our world-class gas distribution network.”
“AGIG is focussed on delivering its vision to provide renewable gas to our customers across Australia, including in Queensland This includes by providing at least 10% renewable gas by 2030 and 100% renewable gas by no later than 2050” said Mr de Laine.
“We appreciate the Queensland Government’s ongoing support of HyP Gladstone, and the broader actions they are taking to develop a hydrogen industry in the state. Queensland is very well placed to benefit from this new low-carbon industry and the jobs it will create, including in regions such as Gladstone.”
“Initiatives like the Queensland Government’s Hydrogen Industry Development Fund, the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan and the landmark Hydrogen Industry Development Amendment Bill recently introduced to parliament are important parts of enabling greater investment in hydrogen and renewable gas infrastructure”.
A key focus of AGIG is building capacity and capability in the communities we serve. As part of this commitment, we are partnering with local businesses to deliver this innovative project. Gladstone-based construction company Walz, has been appointed the project’s principal contractor, keeping jobs in the region.
AGIG is also collaborating closely with CQUniversity to bolster hydrogen-related skills, training, and STEM education in Queensland schools and among the wider workforce. Through this partnership, AGIG hopes to facilitate the seamless transfer of knowledge from research to industry, ensuring that the region can capitalise on the new opportunities in hydrogen, including greater employment opportunities for specialised skills.
Renewable gas can play a critical role in Australia’s energy transition to a renewable future in a way which makes best use of our existing built infrastructure while continuing to meet the needs of our customers, our economy and the environment.
Deputy Premier of Queensland, the Hon. Steven Miles MP said: “Today marks another important step forward to our state’s future as a renewable energy powerhouse,”.
“Queensland is leading the charge in growing the green hydrogen sector and our government is committed to driving all the opportunities that this brings.
“That’s why the Palaszczuk Government has committed more than $165 million to support renewable energy and hydrogen-related industry development, including the Hydrogen Industry Development Fund.
“Our regions are uniquely set up to support the shift to new, high-value industries like renewable hydrogen that will set Queensland up for prosperity for decades to come.
“With its port facilities, access to infrastructure and skilled workforce, Gladstone is positioned perfectly to tap into the renewables revolution.
“Earlier this year I released our Queensland New Industry Development Strategy, which aims to make this the state of opportunity in a decarbonising world.
“This project is a great example of how we are powering towards a cleaner and greener future and placing Queensland at the forefront of hydrogen production.”
Background
AGIG owns, operates and invests in infrastructure which delivers gas to more than two million homes and businesses. It powers generators, mines, manufacturers and household appliances and the combined network makes AGIG one of the largest gas infrastructure businesses in Australia.
AGIG manages over 35,000km of world-class distribution networks, more than 4,300km of transmission pipelines and 60 petajoules of storage capacity, valued at a combined $10 billion. We employ approximately 400 Australians with more than 1,600 contractors working on our business.
AGIG is leading the Australian renewable hydrogen industry, with the establishment of Hydrogen Park SA, the largest electrolyser in Australia, the construction of Hydrogen Park Murray Valley and several other renewable hydrogen and biomethane projects in development.
AGIG has a low carbon vision to deliver 100% renewable gas by no later than 2050, with at least 10% renewable gas blends to homes and businesses by 2030, in line with emissions reduction targets.
For Further Information Contact
Shari Lapthorne – Manager Corporate Affairs
M +61 418 937 134
